Etihad Hits Out at Premier League After Man City Verdict

Man City sponsor Etihad rejects 'sham' claims and considers legal action

Etihad Airways, Manchester City's principal sponsor since 2009, has criticised the Premier League's handling of its case against the club and said it is seeking legal advice after its commercial deals were described as “sham” contracts.

Etihad Airways seeking legal advice after Premier League criticism in Man City case...

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways said on Wednesday it is taking legal advice after hitting out at the Premier League over its handling of an independent commission's findings against Manchester City.

On Tuesday, the Premier League said City had used “sham” commercial deals to inflate income and understate costs by more than £900 million ($1.2 billion) over almost ten years.

Etihad, which has been City's main sponsor since 2009, said it “categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication” that it took part in improper commercial arrangements.

In a statement, the airline said the Premier League never contacted or consulted it during the commission's process and gave it no chance to provide information or respond to material that may have cast the company in a negative light.

“Etihad is deeply concerned by the way ⁠this matter has been communicated publicly,” the statement said. “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 club maintains it has done nothing wrong and confirmed it will challenge the verdict.

On Wednesday, a Premier League spokesperson said it would make no comment on Etihad's statement.

The carrier also said the league's public handling of the findings, after what it described as selective leaks and media coverage, had damaged its reputation.

The airline said it continues to back Manchester City and its long-standing partnership with the club, but is now seeking legal advice to protect its own interests.

“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,” the statement said.