Etihad considers suing Premier League over Manchester City case

Etihad Airways, one of Manchester City's main sponsors, has emphatically denied any involvement in the financial irregularities attributed to the English club and is weighing legal action against the Premier League. The United Arab Emirates airline believes the public communication of the case has damaged its reputation and is demanding accountability from the body that governs English football.

• Etihad categorically rejects any involvement in improper commercial agreements.
• The airline claims the Premier League never contacted them during the investigation.
• The company is considering legal measures against the Premier League for reputational damage.
• Etihad has been Manchester City's main sponsor and stadium naming partner since 2009.
• The company is valued at close to 5 billion euros.

Etihad denies role in Manchester City's financial misreporting

The Premier League concluded on Tuesday that Manchester City tampered with its financial accounts over a nine-year period to artificially inflate revenues and secure an illegal benefit exceeding one billion euros. Etihad is among the companies allegedly involved in those practices, an accusation the airline has firmly rejected.

Etihad categorically rejects any investigation, conclusion or implication suggesting that this company has been involved in improper commercial agreements.

The Emirati company maintains that throughout the entire process it was never given the opportunity to provide relevant information, as the Premier League did not contact them. This omission, according to their account, raises questions about the validity of the conclusions reached by the investigation committee.

Legal action against the Premier League over reputational damage

Etihad has confirmed it is seeking legal advice to pursue action against the Premier League and protect its interests. The airline believes the way the investigation has been publicly communicated has caused considerable harm to its brand image.

The company criticises what it sees as a lack of clarity and transparency from the governing body, as well as the selective release of information over recent months. In its statement, Etihad stresses that the Premier League must face the consequences of how this matter has been presented to the public.

The Premier League's public communication of the commission's investigation, after a period of selective leaks, has created damage to Etihad, despite the airline not being mentioned in that report.

Etihad's partnership with Manchester City since 2009

Etihad has been Manchester City's main sponsor since 2009, giving its name to the club's stadium, the Etihad Stadium. Over these years, the airline has pumped hundreds of millions of euros into the club's coffers, establishing itself as a strategic partner in the Citizens' sporting project.

The company, valued at approximately 5 billion euros, says it is immensely proud of its association with the English club and assures that its commitment to Manchester City and its fans remains strong. Etihad highlights that this alliance has helped connect millions of supporters around the world.

Etihad is immensely proud of its long relationship with Manchester City. The Etihad name has been carried with pride by the club and its stadium for many years and as part of this relationship we have connected millions of fans around the world.

What the City case means for the Premier League

The Premier League's investigation into Manchester City's finances has shaken the foundations of English football. The governing body accuses the club of falsifying its accounts for nearly a decade, a period in which the Citizens went from being a mid-table team to dominating English football with multiple league titles.

The potential lawsuit from Etihad adds a new dimension to the case, as it calls into question not only the club's practices but also the way the Premier League has managed the communication of the process. The airline is demanding that the governing body take responsibility for the damage caused to third parties.