Manchester City sponsor Etihad Airways considers legal action against Premier League

Manchester City’s principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, is considering legal action against the Premier League after its name was indirectly linked to findings in an independent commission’s ruling on the club’s alleged financial breaches.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline said it “categorically rejects” the findings and conclusions of the commission and has begun seeking legal advice on how best to protect its interests.

The development follows the Premier League’s publication on Tuesday of the long-awaited ruling, which concluded that Manchester City had concealed more than £830m in funding through a series of commercial agreements between 2009 and 2018. During that period, the club won eight titles.

According to the ruling, Manchester City claimed it had received £949.94m from the commercial arrangements. The commission determined that only £119.25m represented legitimate revenue, with most of the funding coming from the club’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group.

The commission therefore concluded that there had been financial manipulation involving about £900m.

Etihad Airways is not named in the published version of the ruling. However, the airline has been associated with Manchester City since 2009 as the sponsor of the club’s stadium, shirt and training centre.

In 2011, Etihad Airways signed a 10-year sponsorship agreement with Manchester City worth £400m. That deal was later extended.

A spokesperson for the airline said: “Etihad Airways categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that the company participated in any improper commercial arrangements.”

The airline also criticised the way the Premier League publicised the commission’s findings, saying that a period of leaks and selective reporting had “created damaging repercussions for Etihad Airways”, despite the company not being named in the published and redacted version of the ruling.

“At no time did the Premier League contact or involve Etihad Airways in the proceedings relating to the commission’s opinion,” the spokesperson added.

“Accordingly, Etihad Airways was given no opportunity by the league to represent itself, provide relevant information, or ensure the accuracy and fairness of the information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be viewed as damaging to the company.”

Etihad Airways said it was “deeply concerned” by the way the case had been handled in the media.

“The lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information, created damaging repercussions for Etihad Airways even though the company was not mentioned in the published decision,” it said.

“The Premier League must accept responsibility for the consequences of the way these findings were presented.”

The airline said its commitment to Manchester City “remains strong”, adding: “We stand with the club, its supporters and the wider Etihad Airways community while Manchester City challenges the commission’s conclusions through the available processes.”

It concluded: “Etihad Airways will seek appropriate legal advice on the options and remedies available to protect its interests.”