Manchester City's Primary Sponsor Weighs Legal Action Against Premier League

Manchester City's principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, has announced it is weighing up legal action against the Premier League. The move follows the verdict of an independent commission that found the champions guilty on all charges relating to serious breaches of the competition's financial rules.

The case dates back to February 2023, when the Premier League levelled over 100 charges against the club. The commission concluded that between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons, Manchester City engaged in inflated, sham commercial arrangements via a disguised funding mechanism, artificially boosting club revenues by nearly £900 million.

Manchester City's hierarchy continues to vehemently deny the allegations. The champions' chief executive, Ferran Soriano, went as far as describing the entire case as a "Premier League conspiracy theory" in a video address to the club's players and staff.

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi state-backed carrier that has sponsored City since 2009, issued an official statement categorically rejecting any suggestion or finding of involvement in irregular commercial practices. The airline stressed that it was neither contacted by the Premier League during the inquiry nor afforded an opportunity to present its perspective or submit supporting evidence.

Although the airline's identity was redacted in the publicly released document, Etihad stated that the handling and publication of the findings have inflicted serious reputational harm, prompting consultations with legal counsel to defend its position.

Following the commission's verdict, several of Manchester City's sponsors are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Brands including Lucozade, Kellogg's, and Revolut informed the media they would not comment while legal processes remain active. Majestic Wine declined to clarify whether their partnership with the club will continue. Responses are also awaited from other commercial partners, including Sure, Durex, EA Sports, C.P. Company, Britvic, Silentnight, OKX, Gaucho, and Champneys.

Full statement from Etihad Airways

"Etihad Airways has noted the published findings of the Premier League commission regarding the disciplinary proceedings against Manchester City, as well as the public communications issued by the league.

"Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion, or insinuation that the airline was ever involved in irregular commercial practices.

"The manner in which the Premier League presented the findings publicly, following a series of selective leaks and media briefings, has created damaging insinuations regarding our reputation, even though our name was redacted in the edited version of the report."

"At no stage did the Premier League reach out to Etihad during the investigation. As a result, we were denied the opportunity to be represented, present crucial facts, or verify the accuracy of information used to draw conclusions that cast a shadow over our brand.

"We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and the selective dissemination of information. The Premier League must accept full accountability for the fallout caused by the manner in which these findings were presented.

"We take immense pride in our long-term partnership with Manchester City. The Etihad name has featured prominently on the club's shirts and stadium for years, connecting our brand with millions of supporters globally. Our commitment to the team and its fans remains steadfast.

"We support the club in its efforts to challenge the commission's conclusions through the designated legal avenues and will seek appropriate legal counsel to protect our own interests."

(In its statement, the airline erroneously referred to the body as a Premier League commission, whereas it was in fact an independent three-member tribunal.)