Etihad Airways threatens Premier League with legal action after Man City guilty verdict

Etihad Airways has threatened legal action against the Premier League after the governing body published findings from the independent commission that found Manchester City guilty of 114 of 115 financial rule breaches, including inflated sponsorship agreements.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said it “categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication” that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements. Etihad said the Premier League’s public communication of the commission’s findings had created “damaging implications” for the airline despite it not being named in the redacted published decision.

“At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the Commission’s opinion,” the statement read. “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 also criticised what it described as “selective leaks and reporting” in the period leading up to the verdict, and called on the Premier League to “take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.”

The airline confirmed it will seek legal counsel to explore its options, adding: “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 has been Manchester City’s principal sponsor since 2009, with the club’s ground renamed the Etihad Stadium as part of the arrangement. Both Etihad and City share ownership ties to Abu Dhabi, with the airline’s parent group linked to the same emirate as City owner Sheikh Mansour.

Manchester City have maintained their innocence throughout the process and confirmed they will appeal the verdict. The escalating response from one of their most prominent commercial partners adds a significant new dimension to what is already the most consequential disciplinary case in Premier League history.

Etihad’s statement came on the same day that former City manager Pep Guardiola took to social media to express his solidarity with the club’s supporters.