Etihad Airways Reportedly Considers Legal Action Over Premier League

The dispute between Manchester City and the Premier League continues to escalate, with the club’s long-standing commercial partner Etihad Airways reportedly considering legal action over allegations surrounding the airline’s relationship with the reigning English champions.

According to the Daily Mail, the UAE-based airline has rejected claims linking it to alleged financial irregularities involving Manchester City. The company is now understood to be exploring its legal options after an independent commission in England reportedly found the club responsible for the majority of the 115 charges brought against it.

Etihad has maintained a commercial relationship with Manchester City since 2009, making the airline one of the club’s most prominent long-term partners. In 2011, the two parties reportedly agreed a new 10-year partnership worth £400 million, further strengthening their commercial ties.

The airline is now concerned that the way the Premier League publicised the commission’s findings could have damaged its reputation, despite Etihad Airways not being directly named in the allegations. The company believes it should have been given an opportunity to respond to claims that could potentially affect its commercial standing.

“Etihad Airways categorically rejects any findings, conclusions or allegations suggesting that the company was involved in improper commercial arrangements. At no point has the Premier League contacted or involved us in any related process,” an Etihad spokesperson said, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The statement continued: “We were not given any opportunity by the league to defend ourselves or establish the accuracy and fairness of information that could be detrimental to the company.”

Etihad also criticised what it described as a lack of transparency surrounding the process. The airline believes that the manner in which the allegations and findings were communicated could have created unnecessary reputational damage, particularly given the company’s long-standing association with Manchester City.

Despite the controversy, Etihad has reiterated its commitment to the Premier League club. The airline has also rejected any suggestion that it participated in financial misconduct connected to the club or its commercial arrangements.

The company is now expected to seek specialist legal advice before deciding its next step. Etihad has indicated that pursuing legal action remains among the options available to protect its interests.

“Etihad Airways will seek appropriate legal counsel regarding the legal remedies available to protect the company’s interests,” the statement added.

The development adds another layer to the long-running dispute surrounding Manchester City’s commercial arrangements and the Premier League’s allegations. Any decision by Etihad to pursue the matter through the courts could further widen the scope of the legal battle surrounding the club and its business relationships.