Etihad Airways Statement In Full As Premier League Faces Potential Legal Action Over Man City Ruling

Etihad Airways has said it will seek legal advice over its options after criticising the Premier League's handling of the independent commission's findings against Manchester City. The airline categorically denied involvement in improper commercial arrangements and said the way the findings were communicated had created damaging implications for its reputation.

Etihad Airways has warned that it could pursue legal action against the Premier League following the publication of an independent commission's findings into Manchester City's long-running financial case.

Manchester City's principal sponsor said it was deeply concerned by the way the findings had been communicated publicly and argued that the Premier League had never contacted or consulted the airline during the commission process.

Etihad said it would now seek legal counsel on the options available to protect its interests, while reaffirming its longstanding support for Manchester City.

Etihad Rejects Any Involvement In Improper Arrangements

Etihad strongly rejected any suggestion that it had participated in improper commercial arrangements involving Manchester City.

The airline said it “categorically rejects” any finding, conclusion or implication that it was involved in such arrangements. Etihad has been a principal commercial partner of Manchester City since 2009.

The company said its position had been made necessary by the implications arising from the Premier League's publication of the commission's findings.

Airline Says Premier League Never Consulted It

A central part of Etihad's statement was its claim that the Premier League never reached out to the airline during the commission's process.

According to the company, it was therefore not given an opportunity to provide relevant information or challenge material that could have reflected adversely on its reputation.

Etihad said this lack of engagement was particularly concerning because the airline's name was not included in the redacted version of the published decision.

Concerns Over Public Communication

Etihad also criticised the manner in which the findings were presented to the public.

The airline said the lack of clarity and transparency, combined with what it described as selective disclosure of information, had created damaging implications for the company.

The Premier League, meanwhile, has said that only a redacted version of the commission's core findings can currently be published, with further material to be released when permitted.

What The Commission Found Against Manchester City

The Premier League said the independent commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious financial-rule breaches over the nine-season period from 2009/10 to 2017/18.

According to the league, the commission found that City had arranged commercial agreements that misrepresented the true arrangements between the parties and artificially inflated revenue while reducing costs. The commission also found breaches relating to the club's co-operation with the Premier League's investigation.

Manchester City have denied wrongdoing and have confirmed their intention to appeal the findings.

Etihad Stands By Manchester City

Despite its concerns about the Premier League's handling of the case, Etihad stressed that its relationship with Manchester City remains strong.

The airline said it is proud of its longstanding partnership with the club and confirmed that its commitment to Manchester City and its supporters remains unchanged.

Etihad also said it stands with the club as City challenge the commission's conclusions through the available appeal process.

Legal Advice Could Open Another Front

Etihad's decision to seek legal advice could potentially create another legal dimension to an already lengthy dispute.

However, the airline has not yet confirmed that it will launch legal proceedings. Its current position is that it will examine the legal options and possible recourse available to protect its interests. The Premier League has declined to comment on the statement.

For Manchester City, the immediate focus remains on the appeal against the commission's findings. The wider dispute could now involve not only the club and Premier League but also its principal commercial partner, depending on what Etihad's legal advisers recommend.