Etihad Airways, Manchester City’s principal sponsor, is considering legal action against the Premier League following the independent commission’s findings that the club breached financial regulations.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline, which has sponsored City since 2009, said it was seeking legal advice after the commission found the club guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The commission found that between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, City arranged “sham” contracts with several commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme” that artificially increased the club’s revenues by £830m.
However, Etihad said it rejected any suggestion that it had been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
“Etihad Airways has reviewed the Premier League commission’s published opinion relating to the disciplinary proceedings involving Manchester City, together with the Premier League’s public communication of its findings.
“Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
“The Premier League’s public communication of the commission’s findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings.
“At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the commission’s opinion. Etihad was therefore never given the opportunity by the Premier League to be represented, to provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be interpreted as reflecting adversely on the airline.
“Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly. The lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information, has created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the published decision.The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.
“Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City. The Etihad name has been proudly carried by the club and its stadium for many years, as part of a partnership that has connected us with millions of supporters around the world. Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong.
“We stand with the club, its supporters and our wider Etihad community as Manchester City challenges the commission’s conclusions through the processes available to it.
“Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.”
The airline was not named in the published judgment but said the findings had created damaging implications for it.
Manchester City has continued to deny the allegations and said it would pursue the available appeal avenues, arguing that the commission’s opinion contained “clear material errors of law, principle and fact”.
The independent commission found that City had also submitted accounts that concealed the true state of its finances and had significantly breached Premier League and UEFA spending limits.
It further found that the club had breached “well over 100” Premier League regulations and failed to cooperate and act in good faith during the league’s investigation.
The commission, however, upheld three of four alleged breaches relating to the club’s failure to cooperate, with one charge not proven.
The Premier League process remains ongoing, with City expected to challenge the commission’s conclusions through the available appeal process.
