Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at the recent sponsorship deal struck by Manchester City to engage in the debate about how these kinds of commercial agreements influence UEFA Financial Fair Play barometers. We get into the concepts of fair value guidance and explore the potential of related party transactions and whether Manchester City is being held to a slightly different standard based that Etihad Airways and the club are owned by a royal family which by their very nature erect special circumstances. We also discuss the club allegiance issues forcing this to the forefront without a full understanding of the rules themselves and how UEFA is still within a transitional period for the purposes of accounting and new reporting standards in the lead up to these next three measuring points for the purpose of club licensing. We also debate the potential for UEFA FFP setting up a competitive barrier for mid table teams who, once locked out of Europe and the larger television money prize of the Champions League, will find it difficult to gain entry into the group of top clubs who get that exclusive midweek competition. Is FFP out there to ensure that an oligarchy of clubs keeps these slots and under the EU competition rules is there basis for this argument? Daniel leads us through some of his work in this area to illustrate how UEFA approached the necessary EU stakeholders to ensure that the first line of legal arbitrators have bought into the process given the medium to long term incentives built into the UEFA FFP regulations in the first place. Fantastic discussion with a uniquely qualified opinion on these matters including whether some of the commentary directed at Manchester City by other club presidents and figures is indeed way too premature.

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