Etihad Airways has pushed back against the Premier League’s independent commission ruling that found Manchester City in breach of the league’s financial rules, saying it “categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.”
The commission accused City of structuring contracts with commercial partners in ways that misrepresented the true agreements. Etihad, which has been a commercial partner and shirt sponsor of the club since 2009, was not named in the published decision — but the airline said it has suffered reputational harm regardless.
“The Premier League’s public communication of the commission’s findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings,” the airline said in a statement issued Wednesday evening.
Central to Etihad’s objection is the claim that it was given no opportunity to engage with the process. “At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the commission’s opinion,” the statement said. “Etihad was therefore never given the opportunity by the Premier League to be represented, to provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be interpreted as reflecting adversely on the airline.”
The airline said it was “deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly” and called on the Premier League to take responsibility for the consequences of how the findings were presented.
Etihad also reaffirmed its commitment to the club. “The Etihad name has been proudly carried by the club and its stadium for many years, as part of a partnership that has connected us with millions of supporters around the world,” it said, adding that it stands with Manchester City as the club challenges the commission’s conclusions through the available appeals process.
On the question of its own position, the airline said it “will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.”
Manchester City has described itself as “innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League” and is expected to appeal the commission’s decision.
