Manchester City’s principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, is considering legal action against the Premier League after the publication of an independent commission’s findings into more than 100 alleged financial rule breaches by the club.
The UAE’s state-owned national airline said it “categorically rejects” the commission’s guilty findings and argued that the Premier League’s public statements had created damaging implications for the airline, even though Etihad was not named in the published report.
The commission found Manchester City guilty of artificially inflating revenues by around £900 million through sponsorship agreements that it concluded were secretly funded by the club’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group.
Etihad Airways Rejects Findings
Etihad Airways has been Manchester City’s main shirt sponsor since 2009 and played a major role in the club’s commercial growth. In 2011, City announced a 10-year, £400 million naming-rights agreement for the Etihad Stadium. The deal was later extended on improved terms in 2021.
In its statement, Etihad said it had reviewed the commission’s published opinion and the Premier League’s communication of its findings. The airline strongly rejected any suggestion that it had participated in improper commercial arrangements.
Etihad Airways also criticised what it described as selective leaks and reporting surrounding the case. It said the public presentation of the findings had harmed its reputation despite the airline not being identified in the redacted decision.
Concerns Over Premier League Process
The airline also questioned the process followed by the Premier League, saying it had never been contacted or consulted during the investigation.
“At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad,” the airline said. It argued that it was therefore denied the opportunity to provide information, respond to allegations or ensure that material involving its commercial arrangements was accurate and fairly presented.
Etihad echoed language previously used by Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano, who described the commission’s ruling as an “opinion”.
The airline said the lack of transparency and clarity surrounding the publication of the findings had created unnecessary reputational consequences. It called on the Premier League to take responsibility for how the information had been presented publicly.
Etihad is now considering its legal options as the dispute over Manchester City’s financial dealings continues.
Also Read :- Etihad Expands North American Network With Eight Routes and Nearly 1 Million Seats in 2026