Manchester City's principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, is set to seek legal advice following the Premier League's landmark verdict against the club. City were found guilty of 114 of 115 financial rule breaches, including inflated sponsorship agreements and revenue. The club maintains its innocence and has announced plans to appeal.
Etihad's statement
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Etihad said it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements." The airline claimed the Premier League's public communication of the Commission's findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has created "damaging implications" for Etihad despite not being named in the redacted published findings.
Etihad also noted that the Premier League never reached out to engage with the airline during the process, meaning Etihad was not given the opportunity to be represented or provide relevant information. The airline expressed deep concern over the lack of clarity and transparency in how the matter was communicated, adding that the Premier League "must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented."
Support for the club
Etihad affirmed its support for Manchester City as the club challenges the conclusions through available processes, stating: "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 has sponsored Manchester City since 2009, with the club's stadium renamed as part of the deal and the airline serving as front-of-shirt sponsor. The airline's owners are of Abu Dhabi heritage, the same as City's owner Sheikh Mansour.
Guardiola's response
On the same day, former City boss Pep Guardiola spoke out on the guilty verdict via social media, saying: "I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano] the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
