Manchester City have support from three clubs after declaring war on the Premier League, according to reports.
It emerged earlier this week that City would battle the top flight in a legal fight over the organisation's commercial rules.
City are unhappy with the current rules in place, with the regulations limiting how much companies linked to club owners can spend on sponsorship deals.
Their actions have split opinion in the footballing world, with many figures condemning the reigning champions.
Man City have split opinion after declaring war on the Premier League
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But City, according to the Daily Mail, have support from three of their rivals.
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle 'all believe City have valid concerns' ahead of a hearing on Monday.
Chelsea have provided a statement which challenges the updated rules on associated party transactions, especially when it comes to multi-club ownership.
Villa co-owner, Nassef Sawiris, is close to City chief Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
He is said to 'share frustrations' over imposed limits on spending. While Newcastle are yet to weigh in, they're believed to be in City's corner as well.
It's claimed between 10 and 12 clubs have provided information in support of the Premier League and its current rules.
Manchester United and Arsenal, two of City's fiercest rivals, are part of that group.
Fulham, Wolves, Brighton and Tottenham are also said to be siding with the Premier League in what is being described as a 'civil war'.
Some, according to the publication, have provided witness statements.
Others have given letters backing the Premier League amid fears City could dominate for years to come if they're not reeled in.
A two-week hearing will begin on Monday, with the drama only just getting started.
City want changes to APT rules, which were previously brought in following Newcastle's Saudi Arabian takeover back in November 2021.
They're also claiming damages at a time when the club have 115 charges hanging over them for breaching financial rules.
City have always protested their innocence and strongly deny any wrongdoing.
They describe the current system as a result of the 'tyranny of the majority'.
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Man City chief Khaldoon Al Mubarak is unhappy with the current Premier League rules
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City also say their decision to battle the Premier League is based on 'discrimination' against clubs with owners from the Middle East.
Chelsea are said to be eager for 'greater transparency' when it comes to ATP and an expedited process.
Meanwhile, City chief Al Mubarak recently spoke about the club's success in recent years.
Their Premier League triumph this year comes after they won the treble in 2023, emulating fierce rivals Manchester United in the process.
And Al Mubarak has said he feels for City's fanbase, admitting the charges that hang over the club need to be resolved.
Man City have dominated the Premier League in recent years
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“The way it’s being talked about, I can feel for our fanbase and everyone associated with the club, to have these charges constantly referenced," he said.
"I think we as a club have to respect that there is a process that we have to go through, and we’re going through it.
"It’s taking longer than what anyone hoped for, but it is what it is, and I’ve always repeated, let’s be judged by the facts and not by claims and counter-claims."
