In east Manchester, where Etihad’s name has stood above City’s home since 2009, the airline has moved into the widening dispute over the club’s financial case. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier says it is considering legal action against the Premier League, arguing that public handling of the ruling has harmed its reputation despite Etihad not being named in the published decision.
Key takeaways
- Etihad Airways has backed Manchester City and says it may pursue legal remedies over alleged reputational damage.
- The airline says it was not invited to take part in the investigation or present material in its own defence.
- An independent commission found City guilty of 115 charges linked to financial-rule breaches.
- The findings concern the period from 2009/10 to 2017/18 and include more than £900 million in allegedly inflated commercial income.
- Manchester City have until 2 October to appeal and have confirmed they will challenge the outcome.
Etihad disputes the process
The airline said it was deeply troubled by the way the matter had entered the public domain. In its view, limited explanation, a lack of openness and selective release of information have left it exposed to damaging interpretations.
Etihad maintained that the league did not offer it representation, a chance to submit relevant evidence or an opportunity to check that material used in reaching the conclusions was accurate and fair. It argues that this was particularly significant because the airline was not itself identified in the published ruling.
The partnership has been one of the defining commercial relationships of City’s modern era. Etihad has sponsored the club since 2009 and holds the naming rights to the stadium, placing the company at the centre of scrutiny surrounding City’s sponsorship income.
City prepare their appeal
The commission concluded that City arranged false agreements with several commercial partners across nine seasons, from 2009/10 through 2017/18. It found that the club overstated revenue by more than £900 million, submitted inaccurate accounts and seriously breached spending restrictions.
The ruling also found failures in City’s obligations to cooperate with the investigation and act with the highest good faith. The case has been described as the gravest financial controversy in Premier League history, with the prospect of an unprecedented sanction hanging over a club that has shaped English football for much of the past decade.
City said it was both surprised and disappointed by the decision, rejected the allegations and insisted it possesses extensive, conclusive evidence in its favour. The club said it would use its appeal rights before the 2 October deadline and would be forceful, and where required proactive, in the appropriate legal and regulatory forums.
