Etihad Airways considers legal action against Premier League

Dustin Judge
Manchester City sanctions: Aerial view of the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, Manchester City’s principal sponsor since 2009, is considering legal action against the Premier League over reputational damage caused by the independent commission’s findings in the club’s financial-rule case.

The airline was not named in the published judgment but said the Premier League‘s communication of its findings—paired with selective leaks and media reporting—has created harmful implications for Etihad despite the airline’s absence from the redacted decision.

Etihad Airways’ grounds for legal action

In a statement released Wednesday, Etihad said it “categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.”

Etihad said the Premier League never engaged it in the process. “Etihad was therefore never given the opportunity by the Premier League to be represented, to provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information relied upon in reaching conclusions that may now be interpreted as reflecting adversely on the airline.”

Etihad cited “the lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information” in the Premier League’s public communication as the source of the damage. The airline said the Premier League “must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.”

What the findings revealed

The independent commission found that Manchester City arranged “sham” contracts with commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme” between 2009-10 and 2017-18 to artificially inflate the club’s revenues by £830 million. According to investigators, City set up deals with Abu Dhabi-based companies priced “well above” fair market value, with the bulk of payments covered by the club’s owner. According to multiple sources including The Athletic and BBC Sport, the four-year investigation concluded with Manchester City found guilty on almost all 115 charges.

Implications for the Premier League and City

Etihad’s threat of legal action adds a new dimension to fallout from the case. While Manchester City was found guilty of most financial-rule breaches, a sponsor’s lawsuit over reputational harm represents a distinct legal exposure for the league.

The Premier League’s handling of public disclosure—particularly how it communicated findings without engaging with affected parties—could become a liability if Etihad follows through. The airline emphasized that selective reporting and leaked information compounded the damage.

Etihad’s statement reaffirmed loyalty to Manchester City. “Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong,” the airline said. “We stand with the club, its supporters and our wider Etihad community as Manchester City challenges the commission’s conclusions through the processes available to it.”

Next steps

Etihad said it “will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.” The airline has not specified a timeline for legal action or detailed the damages it plans to pursue.

Reporting from The Associated Press, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports and Sky Sports contributed to this story.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.