Etihad threatens Premier League with legal action over 'sham' sponsorship findings against Man City

Etihad Airways has threatened the Premier League with legal action after the governing body’s published findings from Manchester City’s financial misconduct case implied the airline had participated in ‘sham’ sponsorship deals, a claim Etihad categorically denies.

The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that an independent commission had found City guilty of 114 of 115 charges relating to breaches of financial rules. Central to the ruling was a finding that City had inflated their revenue by approximately £900 million through sponsorship contracts that were allegedly funded by the club’s owners rather than representing genuine commercial income.

Etihad, City’s principal shirt and stadium sponsor since 2009, responded with a pointed statement published by The Times. “Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements,” the company said.

The airline directed particular criticism at the Premier League’s handling of the public disclosure, arguing it had been excluded from the entire process. “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 took aim at what it described as selective leaking of information ahead of the official publication of findings. “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,” the statement continued.

The airline confirmed it would pursue legal options to protect its reputation. “Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests,” it said, adding that its commitment to Manchester City and the partnership remained undiminished.

Manchester City have already indicated they intend to challenge the commission’s conclusions through available legal processes, and Etihad confirmed it stands alongside the club in doing so.