Etihad Airways considers legal action against the Premier League after sponsor scandal

While the Premier League defends the verdict on Manchester City's financial practices, its long‑standing main sponsor Etihad Airways is now considering legal action. The airline disapproves of the procedure, which, according to its statement, was carried out without consultation, and it wants to defend its partnership with the club.

Legal Options and Financial Consequences

Etihad stresses that the verdict wrongly brings the company close to misconduct and categorically rejects the portrayal. At the same time, the airline is examining which legal remedies are available to protect its interests.

The independent commission that examined the allegations refers to the period from 2009 to 2018. In those years Manchester City were English champions three times. The commission estimated the financial effect of the disputed model at more than £900 million, roughly €1.05 billion.

According to the allegations, Manchester City artificially increased revenue through sham contracts with sponsors while simultaneously suppressing costs, which breaches the rules of the English top‑flight league. In addition, the Premier League accuses the club of a lack of cooperation in the investigation.

The investigations were triggered by revelations from “Football Leaks” in “Der Spiegel”. After several years of investigation, the Premier League charged the club in February 2023. In addition to a significant reputational damage, the consequences for the 2023 Champions League winner remain unclear.

In a further hearing, possible sanctions are to be decided. Exclusion from the Premier League or the retroactive stripping of titles is theoretically possible, but deemed unlikely. The ten‑time English champion continues to assert its innocence.