In Manchester, where the Etihad name has stood above City’s home since 2009, the club’s principal airline partner has moved to defend its own reputation after the Premier League’s findings into the English champions’ finances.
Etihad Airways has rejected any suggestion that it took part in improper commercial arrangements connected to Manchester City and is considering legal action against the Premier League. The Abu Dhabi airline says the way the case has entered the public domain has caused it damage.
Etihad challenges implications of investigation
- The Premier League concluded on Tuesday that Manchester City had manipulated financial accounts over a nine-year period, with allegations that the club’s revenues had been artificially inflated.
- The findings linked the alleged conduct to an unlawful advantage worth more than €1 billion across that period, with Etihad among the companies said to have been involved.
- Etihad issued a statement categorically rejecting “any investigation, conclusion or implication” that it had participated in inappropriate business agreements.
- The airline said the Premier League had never contacted it during the process and had not given the company an opportunity to provide relevant information.
- Etihad is now seeking legal advice as it weighs a case against the league in order to protect its interests.
A partnership rooted in the city
Valued at roughly €5 billion, Etihad has been Manchester City’s main sponsor for 17 years. Its name has been attached to the club’s stadium since 2009, while the airline has contributed hundreds of millions to City over the course of the relationship.
The company argued that the Premier League’s public communication following the commission’s investigation had harmed Etihad, particularly after what it described as a period of selective leaks. It stressed that the airline itself was not named in the report.
“Etihad is very concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly,” the company said. It said a lack of clarity and transparency, alongside the selective release of information, had damaged the airline and that the Premier League should be accountable for how the investigation was presented.
Commitment to City remains in place
Despite the dispute, Etihad said its connection with Manchester City remains firm. The airline described itself as immensely proud of a long-standing partnership which has taken its name to supporters across the world through both the club and its stadium.
It added that its commitment to Manchester City, the club’s fans and its existing agreements remains strong.
