Man City sponsor threatens Premier League with legal action as row escalates further

Manchester City’s principle sponsors Etihad Airways are set to seek legal advice in the aftermath of the Premier League’s landmark verdict. City were found guilty of 114 of 115 financial rule breaches they were accused of including inflated sponsorship agreements and revenue.

They club continue to maintain their innocence and will also respond with an appeal. And sponsors Etihad have now spoken out on the scandal.

The Middle Eastern airline say that they reject the Premier League’s findings that they have been involved in any dodgy commercial deals and have threatened legal action after ‘damaging implications’.

A statement on Wednesday evening read: “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.

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“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.

“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.”

Etihad have sponsored Man City since 2009, with the club's stadium having been renamed as part of the deal, while they have been their front-of-shirt sponsor in that time. Their owners are of Abu Dhabi heritage - the same as City's owner Sheikh Mansour.

Etihad’s statement comes the same day that former City boss Pep Guardiola spoke out on the guilty verdict.

Taking to social media, he said: "I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano] the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."