Etihad Airways Considers Legal Action Against Premier League Over Manchester City Verdict

Manchester City’s principal sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League, arguing that the publication and presentation of the club’s financial-rule verdict has damaged the airline’s reputation despite Etihad not being named in the redacted decision.

Etihad Airways has become directly involved in the fallout from Manchester City’s financial case, confirming that it will seek legal advice over possible action against the Premier League.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline said it “categorically rejects” any suggestion that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules.

A key part of the commission’s findings concerned commercial agreements used as part of what it described as a disguised funding scheme. However, Etihad was not named in the publicly released redacted judgment. The airline argues that the way the findings were communicated nevertheless created damaging implications for its business and reputation.

Etihad also criticised the Premier League for not contacting the company during the process. It said it was never given an opportunity to provide information, challenge evidence or address conclusions that could subsequently be interpreted as reflecting negatively on the airline.

The company has now said it will seek legal counsel on the “options and recourse available to protect its interests”, while reaffirming its support for Manchester City as the club challenges the commission’s conclusions. Etihad has been City’s principal commercial partner since 2009, with its name appearing on both the club’s shirts and stadium.

The potential dispute comes as City itself faces further financial consequences from the case. The club could reportedly be required to contribute up to around £50 million towards the Premier League’s legal costs, although the final amount has not yet been determined.

Manchester City continues to dispute the commission’s findings and is pursuing the available appeal process. Sanctions will be considered separately, meaning the final sporting consequences of the case remain unresolved.

Etihad’s intervention significantly broadens the dispute. What began as a disciplinary case between Manchester City and the Premier League now risks generating separate legal challenges from commercial partners affected by the findings, adding another layer of uncertainty before the appeal and sanctions processes are completed.