Manchester City’s principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, is considering legal action against the Premier League following the publication of the independent commission’s findings into the club’s long-running financial case.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline has strongly rejected any suggestion that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements and has criticised the way the Premier League communicated the commission’s findings.
In a statement, Etihad said:
“Etihad Airways has reviewed the Premier League Commission’s published opinion relating to the disciplinary proceedings involving Manchester City FC, 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.”
Etihad became Manchester City’s shirt sponsor in 2009, beginning a commercial relationship that has since developed into one of the most recognisable partnerships in English football.
In July 2011, the two organisations announced a new 10-year partnership. The agreement included shirt sponsorship, wider commercial cooperation and the renaming of City’s stadium as the Etihad Stadium.
The latest development comes after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations over nine seasons. The League said the findings included allegations concerning “sham” commercial agreements, misstated accounts and breaches of spending rules.
Manchester City has rejected the findings and announced its intention to appeal. Etihad has now indicated that it will seek legal advice on its own options, while reaffirming its commitment to the club.
The development adds another significant dimension to a case that continues to unfold both on the footballing and commercial fronts.
Comments are moderated before appearing.