Etihad Airways, Manchester City's principal sponsor, has released a statement saying it was not contacted by the Premier League during the investigation process that led to the club being found guilty of financial rule breaches.
The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday (September 29) that Manchester City had been found guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of its financial rules over a nine-season period between 2009/10 and 2018/19. The independent commission found that during this period, City arranged "sham" contracts with a number of its commercial partners as part of a "disguised funding scheme" to artificially inflate the club's revenues by £830 million.
Etihad's response
Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi state airline which has sponsored Manchester City since 2009, says it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements".
A statement reads: "Etihad Airways has reviewed the Premier League commission's published opinion relating to the disciplinary proceedings involving Manchester City, 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."
Legal options
The airline says it is "deeply concerned" by the way the matter has been communicated publicly, adding: "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 reaffirmed its commitment to Manchester City, saying: "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."
Manchester City have until Friday to appeal the commission's verdict and have publicly confirmed their intention to do so. The club denies any wrongdoing and insists it retains "irrefutable" evidence to prove its innocence.
