Etihad Airways considers legal action over Manchester City verdict

sportsOct 1, 202636432

Etihad Airways says it is considering legal action after the Premier League published an independent commission’s core decision finding Manchester City guilty of more than 100 financial rule breaches. The commission concluded City artificially inflated revenues by about £900m through sponsorship contracts described as sham deals secretly funded by the Abu Dhabi United Group. Etihad, Manchester City’s principal shirt sponsor since 2009 and the namesake of the stadium under a 2011 10-year, £400m naming deal later improved in 2021, said it was not named in the redacted published findings and “categorically rejects” any implication the airline was involved in improper arrangements. Etihad complained the Premier League did not consult the airline during the investigation, saying it was never given the opportunity to provide information or ensure accuracy before publication. The airline repeated Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano’s description of the ruling as an “opinion” and said it will seek legal counsel to protect its interests while the club challenges the commission’s conclusions.

Matthew Doyle

@mattdoyle.bsky.social

The Prem knew about it for years and allowed it b/c Man U was becoming a shitshow and they needed another club with global reach — one that would expand the league’s dominance in new markets. And it worked. So they let it continue. Business decision. www.theguardian.com/football/201...

8523h ago

Matthew Doyle31

And now they think maybe they don’t need City? Except Man U is still a shitshow, as is Chelsea, and Liverpool’s heading that way, too, and Arsenal’s boring as hell and aren’t as popular in the Middle East/India/Asia-Pacific. So a potentially *bad* business decision incoming.

Henry Mance

@henrymance.ft.com

The chairman of Manchester City was granted diplomatic immunity in 2020. The investigation into the club began in December 2018. www.ft.com/content/1256...

423h ago

Todd Kendall2

I had no idea this was even possible for a non-diplomat or head of state. 2020 means the Boris Johnson administration; during Covid. So this is Dominic Raab who was Foreign Secretary for the whole of that year. Hopefully someone doorsteps him.

Amanda Sancassani2

This is why ‘countries’ should not own sports clubs

cassiej444.bsky.social1

Nothing says innocent like getting diplomatic immunity.

Gavan Reilly

@gavreilly.com

Family owns club. Family also owns State. Family-owned-State-owned companies sponsor family-owned club, at inflated rates to mask payments by family. Family-owned club cheats League. League cries foul. Family-owned-state-owned-company sues League. Just like in the storybooks.

3214h ago

Stan Ó hOireachtaigh 🍉1

Noticed the other night while on a Manc tram that there's an Etihad station. May need a re-brand.

Quoting this

Loki3

Ah football, tis more than just a game.

The Associated Press

@apnews.com

Manchester City faces an uncertain future after being found guilty of breaking the Premier League's financial rules for nearly a decade.

273h ago

Martin Calladine

@uglygame.bsky.social

I have argued for some years that one of the key problems with having football clubs owned by foreign rulers isn't just their limitless wealth, it's the special legal status it confers on them. www.ft.com/content/1256...

192h ago

Chris Dillow

@chrisdillow.bsky.social

This is naive of Burnham. If ADUG's investments in Manchester were profitable, somebody else would have made them. And if they're not, it's reputation laundering. Luckily, there's no precedent for there being any corruption in urban regeneration. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

122h ago

Jack Pitt-Brooke

@jackpittbrooke.bsky.social

How should Manchester City fans feel about the charges? Where should they direct their anger? My piece: www.nytimes.com/athletic/763...

83h ago

Tariq Panja

@tariqpanja.bsky.social

Some interesting surrogates in the media in this Man City case, some for the club and some for individuals associated with it. Fascinating to see it play out. Good case study for media studies students.

131h ago

… Thanks, I Speight it…

@speight88.bsky.social

Anyway I look forward to Scarborough thumping Man City at the Etihad when they eventually get promoted to the National League North.

13Yesterday

Gavin2

Can the Seadogs do it on a wet Tuesday night at the Etihad though?

The Tuesday Man2

City v FC United would be delicious 👌

ownbrand1

Just wait until Maresca gets a chance to see the Asbestos hospitality suite

Premier League News

@plnews.bsky.social

Man City sponsor Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League and strongly rejects any suggestion that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements with Manchester City. (Mike Keegan)

1413h ago

Mikel's Midfield Club (FPL)5

Etihad "sponsored" City but in reality City's owners paid 90% of the sponsorship effectively sponsoring themselves. So yes, Etihad is deeply involved in this scam.

Perce3

🥱🥱🥱 all owned by the same corrupt people.

ingilramus.bsky.social2

It's the fact that they're all still denying it that's the worst part. The fact that you know they will find other ways to cheat and will keep on doing it because they don't care about integrity.

The Soccer Times

@nysoccertimes.com

The Man City findings could affect New York City FC, but it remains to be seen how and to what extent. "Etihad Park" is due to open next year, with the $780 million construction funded by NYCFC, which is majority-owned by City Football Group.

1022h ago

Dan Neidle

@danneidle.bsky.social

The idea - spoilers! - to try to minimise Man City's expenses by moving big costs (like Mr Mancini's salary) "off the books"

173h ago

Steve Bullock

@guitarmoog.bsky.social

I don’t see why it would be so bad for Manchester or Man City fans if the club got their just desserts and were multiple-relegated, forced to be sold etc. The city has two top-flight teams so they could all just support the other one instead.

172h ago

Steve Bullock12

[Note: this is a joke based on a deliberate and mock-naive misunderstanding of how football support works, and the idea that it is based on rational decisions. Of course, nobody should ever support Man Utd. Don’t @ me.]

Anthony Zacharzewski3

Exactly, they're even quite close together, it wouldn't be like Portsmouth fans having to go all the way to Southampton.

David Revolting2

They both serve a good match day pie, so there's really no difference.

Jane Zacharzewski 1

Agree. Though supporting Man U seems a step too far.

Simon B.-M.1

Good you’re taking about that because over on UK Bluesky they’re talking about you know what and saying the same things again

Hen Gymro Heb Wlad1

Manchester has two top-flight teams? Next you'll be telling me Liverpool does as well...

Max Berger

@maxberger.bsky.social

Despite their protestations, I’d be shocked if Andy Burnham and the UK government don’t try to interfere on behalf Abu Dhabi.

113h ago

@shortbreadfairy.bsky.social

Me: now its more evident than ever with the Man City financial irregularities that big money in football isn't aboot the love of the game but what can the game do for 'us'. More fool, or stupid, politicians that fall for their promises of 'streets of Manchester paved of gold' 🙄

63h ago

3 sources

theguardian.comCity sponsor Etihad Airways considering legal action against the Premier League bbc.co.ukAndy Burnham 'really concerned' if Man City owners sell up after rule breaches bbc.comWhy do people think this Man City video is AI?

Joey Porter Jr. traded from Steelers to Cowboys for draft pickssports Etihad Airways considers legal action over Manchester City verdictsports Padres sweep Cubs, Gavin Sheets’ pinch‑hit homer seals NL Wild Cardsports Newcastle United unveil new club crestsports

Etihad Airways considers legal action over Manchester City verdict

Related