Etihad weighs legal options after Premier League findings against Man City

Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad will explore legal options following the Premier League's findings against Manchester City Football Club, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The airline categorically rejects any suggestion that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements, despite the commission's conclusion that Manchester City violated the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-season period.

The Premier League's public communication of the findings has created "damaging implications" for Etihad, the airline emphasized, even though it was not named in the redacted version of the decision. Etihad asserts that it was never given an opportunity by the Premier League to present its case or provide information to ensure fairness.

The Premier League stated that Manchester City was found guilty of serious breaches relating to financial rules and cooperation with the league's investigation from the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons. The commission found that City used "sham" commercial contracts with sponsors, leading to artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs, exceeding £900 million.

Additionally, City was accused of misstating accounts and concealing its financial state from auditors and regulators. Etihad expressed concern over the clarity and transparency of the findings, stating that the selective disclosure of information has adversely affected its standing. The Premier League currently publishes only a redacted version of the commission's core findings, with further details to be released when permitted.

Manchester City has the right to appeal the findings, with the final hearing set to take place after the initial sanction determination.