'It's absolutely outrageous' - Premier League urged to 'EXPEL' Manchester City following launch of legal action that 'brings the game into complete disrepute'

The current titleholders filed a 165-page legal document against the Premier League over their Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules. These rules prevent clubs from setting the price of deals with companies linked to their owners, which City argues are unlawful.

City’s legal team has claimed that the club is a victim of discrimination and argue that the regulations, which are supported by rival teams, are specifically designed to curb their success - which they assert, constitutes a "tyranny of the majority." However, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan expressed his astonishment at the latest development and urged the top-flight authorities to throw out the reigning champions from the competition.

In an interview withWilliam Hill, Jordan stated: "I am gobsmacked with what Manchester City are doing. I think it's absolutely outrageous. They're trying to bully the headmaster when the headmaster is trying to expel them. It's an absolute disgrace and it brings the game into complete disrepute. If I was an owner in the Premier League now, I would be campaigning to expel them. I think fans should be very scared of the behaviour they’re showing."

Jordan’s sentiments were echoed by his Three Up Front co-host Graeme Souness, who added that the situation reflects poorly on English football. "Manchester City are challenging the entire fabric of our game," Souness said. "They’re going as far as they possibly can to say, 'you’re all wrong and we’re going to sue you and prove you’re wrong'. How are the rest of the Premier League going to view Manchester City right now? Someone who will be laughing right now is the President of the Spanish FA, because he’s been going on about the power in the Premier League for a long time now and the wrongs of our game. It’s a sad time for English football."

The unfolding legal drama has not only drawn attention to City's practices but also sparked a broader debate about the governance and regulatory framework of the Premier League. Critics argue that the league's rules are necessary to ensure fair competition and financial transparency, while supporters of Manchester City believe that the club is being unfairly targeted by jealous rivals. The implications of this legal battle extend far beyond City, potentially setting precedents for how financial regulations are enforced in the Premier League and other leagues worldwide. The case also raises questions about the balance of power within the league and the extent to which dominant clubs can be reined in by regulatory measures.