Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League after criticising how Manchester City’s financial verdict was communicated.
The airline said the Premier League’s handling of the findings has created “damaging implications” for Etihad.
An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. The commission said the club used “sham” commercial contracts as part of a disguised funding scheme.
The Premier League said the arrangements helped Manchester City artificially increase its revenue and reduce its costs by more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018.
Etihad has strongly rejected any suggestion that it took part in improper commercial arrangements. The airline has been a principal Manchester City sponsor since 2009.
Criticism of the situation’s handling
Etihad criticised the Premier League’s handling of the commission’s findings.
The airline said the Premier League never contacted it during the commission process. As a result, Etihad said it had no chance to provide information or respond to evidence about its commercial relationship with Manchester City.
“At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the commission’s opinion,” the airline said.
Etihad said it therefore had no opportunity to provide relevant information or check the accuracy of material that could affect its reputation.
The airline also criticised what it called “selective leaks and reporting” about the case.
Etihad said the public communication of the findings created damaging implications for the airline. It also noted that Etihad was not named in the published findings.
Taking responsibility
Etihad said it was “deeply concerned” about the lack of clarity and transparency.
The airline also called on the Premier League to take responsibility for the consequences of how it presented the findings.
Etihad will now seek legal advice about its options. The airline said it wants to understand what legal action or other remedies may be available to protect its interests.
The Premier League has not commented on Etihad’s statement.
Despite the dispute, Etihad reaffirmed its support for Manchester City. The airline said its commitment to the club, its supporters and their long-standing partnership remains strong.
Standing in unison
“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 said.
Manchester City has also rejected the commission’s conclusions and is expected to appeal the decision. The club said it was “disappointed and surprised” by the findings.
Etihad’s statement refers to a “Premier League commission”. However, the ruling came from an independent commission.
The Premier League said the independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges related to serious financial-rule breaches over a nine-season period. The commission also upheld most of the charges concerning the club’s cooperation with the league’s investigation.
