Etihad rejects Premier League findings, weighs legal action over City case

Summary

• Etihad says it was never involved in improper commercial arrangements with Manchester City.
• An independent commission found City misrepresented true agreements with several commercial partners.
• The airline says it will seek legal counsel on options to protect its interests.

The latest

Etihad Airways has rejected any suggestion it took part in improper commercial dealings with Manchester City, days after an independent commission ruled the club breached Premier League financial rules. In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the airline said it was never contacted by the league during the process and is now seeking legal advice on how to protect its interests.

Details

• The finding: The independent commission concluded that Manchester City arranged contracts that misrepresented the true agreements reached with several commercial partners, according to The National. The airline was not named in the redacted published findings, a point Etihad stressed in arguing it has nonetheless been exposed to damage by how the outcome was presented.
• The rejection: Etihad said it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements". The airline framed its position as covering the entire history of its dealings with the club rather than any single contract or season.
• The process complaint: According to the statement, the Premier League at no time engaged with Etihad during the process associated with the commission's opinion. The airline said it was therefore never given the chance to be represented, to submit relevant information, or to check the accuracy of material relied upon in the conclusions.
• The leaks claim: Etihad said the league's public communication of the findings followed a period of selective leaks and reporting, which it argued created damaging implications for the airline. It said the lack of clarity and transparency left it exposed despite being unnamed in the decision.
• Responsibility demanded: The airline said the Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way the findings were presented, describing itself as deeply concerned by the public communication of the matter. It did not specify what remedy it expects from the league.
• Legal step: Etihad said it will seek relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests. The statement did not name a jurisdiction, a timeline, or the party against which any action might be directed.
• The sponsorship: Etihad has been a commercial partner and sponsor of Manchester City since 2009, with its name carried by the club and its stadium. The airline said its commitment to the club, its supporters and the partnership remains strong, and that it is immensely proud of the relationship.
• City's position: Manchester City said this week it was disappointed and surprised by the commission's findings and that it is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League. The club is expected to appeal, and Etihad said it stands with City as it challenges the conclusions.
• Guardiola's line: Manager Pep Guardiola told Manchester City and its supporters that they will get through this together, according to The National, in remarks delivered as the club prepared its response to the ruling.

Background

Etihad's name has been attached to Manchester City's stadium and shirts since 2009, making the airline the most visible commercial partner in a club ownership structure rooted in Abu Dhabi.

Between the lines

Etihad's complaint is procedural as much as substantive: it was unnamed in the redacted decision yet says it was never invited to submit information. That combination lets the airline argue reputational harm without contesting the commission's jurisdiction over the club, and it explains why its stated route is outside legal counsel rather than the appeal City is expected to lodge.

What's next

Watch for Manchester City's formal appeal against the commission's conclusions, any Premier League response to Etihad's demand that it take responsibility, and whether the airline converts its legal review into an actual filing.

Source: The National