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      Man Utd ‘could get Ruben Amorim for just £8.5m thanks to THREE contract clauses’ after Erik ten Hag sacking

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will get Ruben Amorim out of his Sporting Lisbon contract for £16.5million less than other clubs would have to pay thanks to a shock clause, according to reports.The club decided to sack Erik ten Hag yesterday after a disastrous start to the season left them languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.Ruben Amorim has verbally agreed to join Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag was sacked just 14 games since his contract extensionCredit: AlamyRuud van Nistelrooy has landed the job on an interim basis – but the Red Devils are moving fast to appoint Amorim as their new boss.The 39-year-old has reportedly verbally agreed to join Man Utd and is already deep in talks.Amorim’s deal at Sporting expires in 2026 – yet reports state he was planning to quit at the end of this season.Newspaper A Bola claims he has three different release clauses in his contract.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnother Portuguese club would have to pay £25m for his services – while that figure drops to £17m for sides outside his homeland.But there is also supposedly a “sharks” agreement that makes it easier for Europe’s elite to afford him.The clause allows clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and United to activate Amorim’s release for just £8.5m.That means Sir Jim Ratcliffe is getting his man for £16.5m less than the other clubs like Porto or Benfica have to pay.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd £8m less than West Ham would have had to fork out if their talks with the boss were successful in the summer.But with the price of sacking Ten Hag setting United back £15m, the cost of the managerial change will be a whopping £23.5m.’Something seriously wrong!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to huge Man Utd call which saw Erik Ten Hag sackedOn heading to Old Trafford, Amorim said last night: “I was already expecting this question and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment. “I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”It has also been reported that United spoke with ex-Barcelona boss Xavi and considered both Brentford’s Thomas Frank and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as options before choosing Amorim. More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Ruben Amorim as Sporting boss reunites with former star and top Arsenal target

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      RUBEN AMORIM could ring the changes at Manchester United if he is hired for the top job.The Portuguese manager is hotly tipped to arrive at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ruben Amorim could put his own stamp on the Man United teamCredit: GettyAmorim could be the replacement for the sacked Erik ten HagCredit: AlamyManuel Ugarte played for Amorim while at Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe Dutchman was finally put out of his misery after the disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium.Ten Hag was not expecting his time to come to an end as he still held the team’s press conference for the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester on Tuesday.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the side while a new manager is appointed.Amorim, 39, is the leading candidate to be offered the job by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and could be appointed quickly.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Sporting Lisbon manager will be familiar with Man United’s newest signing Manuel Ugarte.The midfielder starred for Amorim before he left the Portuguese outfit for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.The Uruguayan would be expected to be given a leading role under the manager in the centre of midfield.The line-up could also drastically change at Old Trafford after a transfer window under Amorim.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan United have been heavily linked with both Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and defender Goncalo Inacio.Amorim could insist on the pair’s arrival at Old Trafford to add more quality to his side.Man Utd ratings vs West Ham: Bruno Fernandes causes endless problems but Marcus Rashford entirely absentViktor Gyokeres could be a top target for Amorim to bolster the frontlineCredit: ReutersGoncalo Inacio could be signed to reinforce the defenceCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes could be used in a more advanced role under AmorimCredit: GettyInacio would command an immediate starting space in the backline and could take up a spot in the middle between Lisandro Martinez and Yoro.While Gyokeres would take up the striker role and replace the Red Devils’ misfiring pair of Hojlund and Zirkzee.The Swedish striker is amongst the most prolific in Europe, having netted 57 goals in 64 appearances for Sporting.He is already familiar with English football, having spent three seasons at Coventry City in the Championship.Man United would face competition to sign Gyokeres, with Arsenal also interested in the striker.Amorim favoured a 3-4-3 formation while at Sporting Lisbon which could suit the club’s current defensive options.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both capable of playing as wing-backs to add width.The back three could be made up of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.However, this will only be possible once Yoro has returned to full fitness following his injury in pre-season.The £52million summer signing is closing on his return from a foot fracture and has been training on grass.Without a transfer window, Amorim would likely opt for Rasmus Hojlund to spearhead the attack as he has similar qualities to Gyokeres.Marcus Rashford could then flank the Danish striker on the left and Bruno Fernandes on the right.Another option for Amorim would be to replace Rashford with Garnacho on the left and Hojlund with Joshua Zirkzee.He could also tinker with the defence and put faith in Victor Lindelof.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim played alongside the Swede during his four seasons in the Benfica first-team.Long-term injury absentee Luke Shaw could bag the left wing-back spot.Victor Lindelof played alongside Amorim while he was at BenficaCredit: Getty – ContributorLeny Yoro is closing in on his return from a fractured footCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim breaks silence on Man Utd job as Sporting Lisbon manager says ‘I was already expecting this’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim is being linked with the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyTen Hag, 54, was dismissed on Monday morning following a dismal start to the season.Just hours later it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd] and obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”Amorim was speaking ahead of his side’s cup match against Nacional on Tuesday.His team sit six points clear at the top of Portugal’s Primeira Liga and are unbeaten in their opening three Champions League games.Since taking over in 2020, Amorim has won 170 of his 237 matches in charge of Sporting.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has won two league titles and two cups – and was linked with the Liverpool job earlier this year before Arne Slot was named as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.Amorim was also tipped to join Chelsea amid uncertainty over Mauricio Pochettino’s future.Erik Ten Hag SACKED by Man United – here are the SIX candidates to replace himWest Ham were another English club interested in his signature prior to Julen Lopetegui’s arrival.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Ruben AmorimThe Sporting Lisbon boss has been heavily linked with the job in the immediate aftermath of Ten Hag’s sacking, with United said to be in advanced talks. It will cost them a rumoured £8m in compo to prise him away from the club he has led to two league titles. However, despite the strong links, nothing is for certain with 39-year-old Amorim.He was spotted flying into London amid talk of succeeding David Moyes at West Ham but nothing came of it.He was also said to be nailed on to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, while he was reportedly in line to get the Chelsea gig before Mauricio Pochettino got the nod. Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running. 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      Man Utd ‘keen to poach Man City’s top target to replace Pep Guardiola but may have to keep Ten Hag for season’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are already lining up a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, according to reports.The Red Devils could be set to battle it out with neighbours Manchester City to secure the services of in-demand manager Ruben Amorim.Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben AmorimCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Old TraffordCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, is in charge of Sporting Lisbon and has helped the Portuguese side return to being a dominant domestic force and a competitive European club.His work at Sporting attracted the interest of Liverpool over the summer in their search for a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, before they ultimately brought in Arne Slot.And now it looks like the Premier League’s two Manchester giants could be battling it out for his services.According to Sky Germany, Amorim is on the list of potential new managers for both United and City.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCity have been linked with the former Portugal international as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola, should the Catalan tactician leave the Etihad when his contract expires this summer.While they are also set to replace their sporting director, Txiki Begiristain with Sporting’s director of football Hugo Viana.Should Viana join the four-in-a-row champions then that could increase City’s chances of convincing Amorim to make the jump.But they will have competition from rivals Man Utd with Sky Germany’s report claiming that the Old Trafford outfit have made “specific enquiries” about Amorim and his situation at Sporting.Most read in FootballSporting’s director of football Hugo Viana is set to join Man City as sporting directorCredit: GettyViana will replace current sporting director Txiki Begiristain at the EtihadCredit: PAPep Guardiola’s current Man City deal is set to expire this summerCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited are caught in a limbo with current manager Erik ten Hag, who has been under mounting pressure for seemingly months but is still in his post despite a shocking start to the season.Should they push ahead with luring Amorim as his replacement, United would likely have to keep Ten Hag as boss until the summer.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd That’s because its claimed Amorim does not plan to leave Sporting this season due to his ambitions with the club.However, his contact, which is valid until 2026, includes a release clause that is active from next summer.United will be boosted by Amorim’s recent comments too, which seemed to rubbish the idea that he would simply follow sporting director Viana to Man City.In an interview with Cabine Desportiva, he said: “Hugo Viana and me, we have different and separate paths. “His appointment doesn’t mean that I’m going to Man City. We have a very good professional relationship.” More

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      I’m a former Premier League star who was arrested for cock-fighting… now I’m back playing aged 43

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      AN ex-Premier League star once arrested for cock-fighting has made a shock return to football.Fabio Rochemback hung up his boots ten years ago and has spent the last decade away from the game. Fabio Rochemback has made a shock return to footballCredit: InstagramThe Brazilian spent three years at MiddlesbroughCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut he has now joined Brazilian amateur side Guarany de Xaxim on a short-term deal.The club compete in the regional Santa Catarina Championship.Rochemback captained the side to a 3-2 win on his first appearance.The 43-year-old is best remembered by the three seasons he spent at Middlesbrough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played 91 times for the club and was part of the team that made the Uefa Cup final in 2006.The midfielder also had spells at Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.Rochemback, who was capped seven times by Brazil, was nicknamed The Cannon thanks to his trademark powerful long shots.Since retiring, he hit the headlines in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a cock-fighting ring.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnimal fighting is a crime in Brazil and the ex-player was detained by cops in a raid of an event in Rio Grande do Sul.Police said 89 roosters and £24,000 in cash was also seized that evening.Football icons’ strange hobbiesRochemback had a farm raided by the authorities six years earlier.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says top manager ‘has quality’ to manage in Premier League as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has hailed a top European manager as having the quality to lead a Premier League side.The Manchester United star’s comments come with Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt.Bruno Fernandes has hailed Ruben Amorim as doubts continue over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyAmorim has enjoyed success at Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils boss has come under scrutiny over the club’s poor start to the season.Old Trafford chiefs held a meeting earlier this week in which Ten Hag’s future was discussed.It appears that the club are willing to stick by the former Ajax manager for now, but that has not stopped others from being linked with the post.The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, club captain Fernandes has insisted that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, 39, is capable of succeeding in England.The Portuguese coach has led the club to two titles in his homeland and is well-regarded.He was believed to be one of the front-runners for the Liverpool and West Ham jobs in the summer before the roles went to Arne Slot and Julen Lopetegui. Fernandes has suggested that Amorim is “prepared” and full of “quality” as a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told CNN Portugal: “Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football.”They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars”In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared.”Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two.”This shows that the work has been done well.”If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”Fernandes joined Man United from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020 in a £47million transfer.Amorim arrived at the club in March of that year when he replaced the sacked Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Hugo Viana set for incredible rise from Newcastle flop to Man City chief and could bring pal to replace Pep Guardiola

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      HUGO Viana’s likely move to Manchester City may not be the last time a key figure from Sporting Lisbon ends up at the Etihad.Viana was close friends with Ruben Amorim well before they teamed up at Sporting to transform the club from cash-strapped underachievers to champions on and off the pitch.Hugo Viana has been tipped to take over from Txiki Begiristain at Man CityCredit: GettyThe 41-year-old previously played for NewcastleCredit: GettyCity’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: PASporting’s current sporting director is set to replace Txiki Begiristain in the same role at City in early 2025.And when the time comes for City to find a successor to boss Pep Guardiola, it would be a surprise if they did not take a close look at Amorim – already described by Guardiola as “one of the best” coaches around.What is a shock, for a British audience at least, is the news that Viana has been lined up by City to take on one of the biggest jobs in football.He first hit the headlines in 2002 when Newcastle paid £8.5m to sign him from Sporting, a record fee for a 19-year-old, in the first major English deal involving an agent named Jorge Mendes.Read More in FootballThe midfielder was one of the hottest talents in Europe, after helping Sporting to win the Portuguese league and impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.But although Viana enjoyed the company of mentor Gary Speed, he was unable to oust the Welshman from the central midfield role that he craved.After two seasons spent mainly on the wing and the periphery at St James’ Park, Viana had two loan spells before joining Valencia permanently.After he hit the post with Portugal’s second penalty in the shootout that ended England’s 2006 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, he pretty much disappeared as far as English fans were concerned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is fair to say that Viana is also regarded as an unfulfilled talent in his homeland, despite an impressive spell with Braga later in his career.But it was in his final season at that club that he deepened his friendship with Amorim, having already been in international squads with him.Man City & Premier League BOTH claim victory in landmark court case as legal battle continuesIt would prove to be a key relationship.Viana returned to Sporting as sporting director in 2018 as part of the new regime of president Frederico Varandas.The club was in turmoil. A group of ultras, allegedly furious at Sporting’s 2017/18 campaign, had invaded the training ground and attacked players and staff. Bruno Fernandes was among nine stars to try to tear up their contracts, although he later signed a new deal.It took time for Viana to find his feet. He and Varandas went through three permanent head coaches as things on the pitch took time to improve.In January 2020, Sporting sold best player Fernandes to Manchester United for an initial £47m. Weeks later the club spent £8.65m –  the third highest fee ever for a manager – to poach Amorim from Braga.Most people Viana and Varandas were mad to invest so much hope and money in the unproven coach, not least because of his playing history with fierce rivals Benfica.But it proved to be an inspired gamble.Incredible successIn Amorim’s first full season, 2020/21, Sporting claimed their first league title since the one Viana had won as a player 19 years before.A second Portuguese championship followed last season, and Sporting are also winners off the pitch.Transfermarkt values the current squad at £370m, more than double what it was when Viana joined.Yet in that time, Sporting have brought in more than £650m from player sales and loans, including big-money sales like Fernandes and fellow Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.Returning to the Champions League has given Sporting the financial stability to hold out for big fees, and Viana always has a succession plan.Ugarte was signed as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, and then sold at a profit to Paris Saint-Germain last year, with Morten Hjulmand arriving as his successor.The job for Viana at City will be different.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the Premier League champions and Begiristain, who has had a key role in identifying and appointing his successor, believe he is up to it.And it is not wild to suggest that Viana and Amorim could be the partnership entrusted with building on the Guardiola/Begiristain legacy. More

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      Man City targeting Premier League flop to take over as sporting director after Txiki Begiristain bombshell

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      MANCHESTER CITY have allegedly earmarked former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana as a potential replacement for outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain.Sporting director Begiristain will step down from his position at the end of the season.Man City chief Txiki Begiristain is set to leave at the end of the seasonCredit: PAFormer Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana is believed to be in the frame for the jobCredit: EPAViana spent four years at St James’ ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationSunSport revealed this week that he will play a key role in identifying and appointing his replacement.Begiristain aims to have a new man in place by January and will then spend six months helping the new chief settle into their new role.While Begiristain’s successor is yet to be revealed, ex-Newcastle star Viana is believed to be in the frame.The 41-year-old spent four years at St James’ Park as a player following his move from Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and made 61 appearances.Read More in FootballSince retiring, Viana has taken up a senior position in football.He is currently director of football at Sporting Lisbon, having accepted the job in 2018.Manchester United identified him as a potential candidate for the position of chief operating officer at Old Trafford earlier this year.He caught the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe by assisting the transfer of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut taking over from Begiristain at Man City would be an even harder job.City have won 14 major trophies under the guidance of the Spaniard, including the Champions League and six Prem titles.But they are currently in the midst of a huge legal battle with the Premier League.A hearing is underway into allegations that City broke PL rules more than 100 times in relation to sponsorship deals, player and manager contracts and failure to cooperate with the investigation.City deny all the charges. An initial verdict is expected in the spring, but the saga is unlikely to end there and Begiristain will be gone before everything is resolved.Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More