Man City sponsors Etihad threaten Premier League authorized motion after £900m bombshell
The company have been the primary sponsors of Manchester City since 2009 and have released a furious statement
Manchester City sponsors Etihad Airways have threatened legal action against the Premier League(Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Etihad Airways, the principal sponsors of Manchester City, have hit back at the Premier League and threatened legal action. It comes after a bombshell statement by the league confirmed that City have been found guilty of 114 of 115 charges for breaches of financial rules.
The company claim that it has been inferred that they were involved in ‘sham’ sponsorship deals that saw City artificially inflate their revenue by £900 million. The deals were funded by the club’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, something which City categorically deny, as they intend to appeal the verdict.
Etihad have been City’s primary sponsor since 2009. They have the naming rights of the stadium, as well as appearing on the front of City’s matchday shirts. They have now hit back at the Premier League.
Etihad are Man City’s primary sponsors. (Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
In a furious statement, published by The Times, they say: “Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
“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.
“At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the Commission’s opinion. 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.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
“Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly. 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 Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.”
“Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City. 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. Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong.
“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.
“Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.”
After the Premier League published the guilty verdict, City issued a robust response. They confirmed their intention to appeal the decision, citing ‘errors, of law, principle and fact.’
