Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Legal Escalation Over Independent Commission Findings
Manchester City's primary commercial partner, Etihad Airways, has confirmed it is seeking legal counsel regarding potential action against the Premier League. The development follows an independent commission finding Manchester City guilty of all charges related to financial rule breaches between the 2009/10 and 2017/18 seasons.
The Commission's Findings
The regulatory ruling outlines specific financial maneuvers executed during the nine-year period under review:
- Revenue Inflation: The commission determined that the club utilized disguised funding schemes to artificially inflate revenues by £830m.
- Contract Classification: Certain commercial agreements were classified in the findings as "sham" contracts arranged with commercial partners.
- Hearing Timeline: The formal hearing took place between September and December 2024, following initial charges filed in February 2023.
Etihad Airways Statement and Due Process Claims
Although Etihad Airways was not named in the redacted public judgment, the Abu Dhabi state carrier stated that the published opinion created damaging implications for its commercial brand. The airline has served as Manchester City's primary shirt and stadium sponsor since 2009, including a 10-year agreement signed in 2011 valued at £400m, which was later extended.
"Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements. At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the commission's opinion."
The carrier confirmed it is evaluating formal legal options to protect its commercial interests, asserting it was denied an opportunity to submit documentation or represent itself during the proceedings.
Manchester City and Commercial Partner Positions
Manchester City declared its intention to appeal the ruling, citing material errors of law and fact. Chief executive Ferran Soriano described the process as a "conspiracy theory" in communications to club personnel. Meanwhile, other commercial partners within the club's portfolio—including Lucozade, Kellogg's, and Revolut—declined to comment on the findings while regulatory procedures remain active.
Next Steps
The regulatory process moves toward Manchester City's formal appeal avenues. Concurrently, legal advisers for Etihad Airways are reviewing the published judgment to determine jurisdictional grounds for direct legal challenges against the Premier League.
