ETIHAD Airways – the chief sponsor of Manchester City – has threatened legal action against the Premier League after the club was found guilty of 114 charges.
In a long statement on Wednesday night, the sponsor said it was going to “seek the relevant legal counsel… to protect its interests”.
It is claimed £900m was hidden in “sham” deals across a nine-year period, after City were found guilty on 114 of the initial 115 charges – with the number now up to 130 charges
A spokesperson for the airline said: “Etihad Airways has reviewed the Premier League Commission’s published opinion relating to the disciplinary proceedings involving Manchester City FC, together with the Premier League’s public communication of its findings.
“Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
“The Premier League’s public communication of the Commission’s findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings.
“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.
“Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly. 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. The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented.
“Etihad is immensely proud of its longstanding relationship with Manchester City. The Etihad name has been proudly carried by the Club and its stadium for many years, as part of a partnership that has connected us with millions of supporters around the world. Our commitment to Manchester City, its supporters and our shared partnership remains strong.
“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.”
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