Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League after an independent commission’s findings into Manchester City’s finances created what the airline described as “damaging implications” for its reputation.
The Abu Dhabi state airline, which has sponsored City since 2009, said it “categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication” that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements. It is seeking legal advice on the options available to protect its interests.
Etihad was not named in the published judgment, but said the Premier League had failed to contact or engage with it during the proceedings. The airline said it had not been given the opportunity to provide relevant information or ensure the accuracy and fairness of material that could reflect adversely upon it.
Etihad Airways rejects findings linked to Manchester City
“Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly,” the airline said. “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.”
It added: “The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.”
The independent commission found that Manchester City had arranged “sham” contracts with commercial partners between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons as part of what it described as a “disguised funding scheme”. The arrangements were said to have artificially inflated the club’s revenues by £830 million.
The commission also found that City had filed accounts which concealed the true state of its finances, breached the Premier League’s and Uefa’s spending limits, and broken “well over 100” Premier League regulations. Three out of four alleged breaches were upheld, while one charge was not proven.
Manchester City continues to deny the allegations. Chief executive Ferran Soriano described the process in a video message to players and staff as a “Premier League conspiracy theory”.
In a statement issued after the findings were published, the club said it was “innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League” and claimed there was a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence” supporting its position.
City said it would pursue the appeal avenues available to it, arguing that the opinion contained “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact”. The club also said the process remained ongoing and that it was restricted in what it could say until future proceedings were complete.
Etihad said its commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and the partnership remained strong, adding that it stood with the club as City challenged the commission’s conclusions.
