Etihad Airways, the principal sponsor of Manchester City, has threatened legal action against the Premier League. The move follows a league statement confirming that City have been found guilty of 114 of 115 charges for breaches of financial rules.
The airline claims it has been inferred that it was involved in 'sham' sponsorship deals that saw City artificially inflate their revenue by £900 million. The deals were allegedly funded by the club's owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, something which City categorically deny, as they intend to appeal the verdict.
Etihad's Furious Response
Etihad have been City's primary sponsor since 2009. They hold the naming rights to the stadium and feature on the front of the club's matchday shirts. In a statement published by The Times, the airline said: "Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements."
The statement continued: "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."
Lack of Engagement Claimed
Etihad claimed the Premier League never contacted them during the 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 said. "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."
The airline expressed deep concern over the public communication of the matter. "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 statement added. "The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented."
Commitment to City Remains
Despite the dispute, Etihad reaffirmed its support for Manchester City. "Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City," the statement said. "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."
The airline added: "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." It concluded: "Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests."
Manchester City have confirmed their intention to appeal the decision, citing 'errors, of law, principle and fact.'
