Manchester City's principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, has stated it is considering legal action against the Premier League following the club's guilty verdict for serious financial rule breaches. An independent commission found City arranged "sham" contracts between 2009/10 and 2017/18 to inflate revenues by £830m. Etihad categorically rejects any implication of improper commercial arrangements, stating the Premier League did not engage with them during the process. They were not given a chance to provide relevant information, leaving them "deeply concerned" by the lack of transparency. The airline says the published judgment, while not naming them, has created damaging implications. Etihad is seeking legal advice to protect their interests. Meanwhile, other City sponsors like Lucozade, Kellogg's, and Revolut have declined to comment as the process remains ongoing, while Majestic Wines has refused to confirm if they will continue their partnership.
Etihad Airways statement in full: "Etihad Airways has reviewed the Premier League commission's published opinion... 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."
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing