Man City sponsor Etihad say they are considering legal action against Premier League | OneFootball

Etihad Airways say they are considering legal action against the Premier League after rejecting any suggestion they were involved in improper commercial arrangements connected to Manchester City.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline, City’s principal sponsor since 2009, said it had not been contacted by the Premier League during the process and claimed the publication of the independent commission’s findings had created “damaging implications” for the company.

It comes after City were found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules by an independent commission.

City continue to deny wrongdoing and have said they intend to challenge the findings.

Etihad has now issued a strongly worded statement distancing itself from the conclusions.

“Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements,” the statement read.

“At no time did the Premier League reach out to or engage with Etihad in the process associated with the Commission’s opinion.

“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.

“The lack of clarity and transparency, together with the selective disclosure of information, has created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the published decision,” it said.

“The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.

“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.

“Etihad will seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.”