'Astronomical amounts' - Aston Villa owner Nassef Sawiris releases statement ahead of Man City showdown

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Nassef Sawiris has become the first owner of a Premier League club to go public with his position regarding associated-party transaction (APT) proposals.

Aston Villa have positioned themselves with Manchester City in voting against the implementation of APT rules because Sawiris believes the English top-flight needs a "fresh start". Villa wrote to the Premier League asking for Friday's vote regarding APT rules to be postponed after an arbitration panel found aspects of them unlawful.

The club also warned that the Premier League will be weakened by any further public conflict with City, while calling for an end to the "acrimonious back and forth exchanges" over APTs. Explaining his view to The Telegraph, Sawiris, has confirmed "we will be voting against the proposed APT Rules" as clubs need time to reach a unanimous position.

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He said in a statement: “In our view, a vote in 90 days on amended terms taking into consideration the Tribunal’s findings will have a significantly greater chance of securing the unanimous support of all 20 Premier League clubs.

“Crucially, a unanimous vote will present a fresh start for an embattled Premier League that began with the failed attempt to launch a Super League in 2021. With the imminent arrival of the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, it is more important than ever that the Premier League can present itself to the regulator with a united front. In our view, this will be far more easily achieved if the APT vote is held in February and supported unanimously by all clubs.”

His statement adds: “It is noteworthy that legal bills to date on this matter have already reached astronomical amounts; further challenges and escalation of these fees could be avoided through reaching consensus.

"Ultimately, a unanimous vote will showcase the emergence of a new era of clubs who can compete vigorously on the pitch but work together to strengthen the Premier League and its global appeal.”

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