Etihad Airways to consider legal options against Premier League after Man City verdict

Manchester City’s main sponsor, Etihad Airways, says it is considering taking legal action against the Premier League in the aftermath of an independent commission finding the club guilty of all charges to serious breaches of the league’s financial rules.

City had been accused by the Premier League of breaking the rules and were charged with 115 breaches in 2023 leading to an independent investigation. The investigation and hearings ended in 2024 and a verdict that revealed City were guilty of arranging “sham” contracts with a number of its commercial partners between 2009-2018 was annouced this week.

The verdict explains that City wre found guilty of organising a “disguised funding scheme” with certain commercial partners which amounted to an inflation of the club’s revenues up to £830m over the course of nine years.

Etihad Airways, the state airline of Abu Dhabi, stated that they "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements".

The airline are now considering legal action against the Premier League in order to protect their interests from “damaging implications” despite not specifically being named in the independent commission’s report.

They have released a statement outlining their position and the reasons why they feel the Premier League are at fault claiming that at no point in the investigation were they engaged with by the league and did not have the opportunity to provide information relevant to the investigation.

Etihad Airways also want the Premier League to “take responsibility” for the way the findings from the independent commission were released to the public and the “consequences” they have had on the airline. Within the same statement Etihad also confirm their backing of Man City and says their “shared relationship remains strong”.

Their statement, which can be read in full below, also wrongly states that the commission is linked to the Premier League when it was in fact an independent investigation.

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Manchester City’s home ground is the Etihad Stadium named after its principal sponsor Etihad Airways who are considering legal action against the Premier League (PA Wire)

Etihad Airways’ statement on the Man City verdict:

"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."