Who runs the Premier League? And how do rule changes happen?

The Premier League was founded in February 1992

The Premier League is a private company which organises the competition, the broadcast and other commercial rights, and produces the rule book.

The company is owned by the 20 clubs who make up the league.

These clubs are independent shareholders of the Premier League, which means they all own a slice of the company.

The Premier League also has a board of directors. They are responsible for implementing league rules, resolving disputes, and ”making recommendations and proposals to clubs on matters of importance to the Premier League”.

The board is chaired by Alison Brittain, who in early 2023 became the first woman to hold the post.

Premier League clubs are signatories of an owners’ charter, which states owners and directors of the clubs are responsible for upholding certain commitments, such as promoting the financial sustainability of English football, and working towards eradicating discrimination and abuse in football.

Can clubs challenge the rules?

The Premier League is the organising body and produces its rule book.

Any member club can challenge the rules, or suggest changes.

Each club has a single share, and therefore receives an equal say during the voting process.

All clubs are asked to vote on any proposed changes. At least two-thirds - 14 clubs - must vote in favour for changes to be approved.

Does the FA have a say?

The Football Association - the governing body of football in England - also has a share in the Premier League.

This means certain actions can only be taken with the FA‘s approval, including the appointment of board directors.

All Premier League rule amendments require the consent of the FA board.

Can proposed rule changes turn into legal battles?

Yes.

Earlier this year, Manchester City put forward a legal case against the Premier League over rules on commercial deals involving club owners.

City and the Premier League went to an independent arbitration panel, with the club claiming the league’s changes to Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules were ”unlawful”.

APT rules are designed to ensure commercial deals or sponsorships with companies linked to club owners represent fair market value, and are not artificially inflated.

City had some complaints upheld, with two aspects of the rules deemed unlawful.

But the Premier League said the tribunal rejected the majority of the challenges and "endorsed the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system".

Premier League clubs have since voted to approve rule changes proposed by the organisation. Four clubs - Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa - voted against the changes.