Etihad Seeks Legal Advice After Premier League Findings

Etihad Airways said Wednesday, September 30, that it is seeking legal advice on options to protect its interests after criticizing the Premier League’s public handling of an independent commission’s findings against Manchester City. The airline has not said it has filed a legal claim, and whether it will take further action remains unresolved. The Premier League said the commission found Manchester City guilty of financial-rule breaches involving sham commercial contracts. Etihad said it rejects any finding or implication that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements. The airline, which has sponsored the club since 2009, said it was not named in the published findings. In a statement, Etihad said the league had not contacted or engaged with it during the commission process and had not given it an opportunity to provide information or address material that could reflect adversely on the airline. Etihad said the way the findings were communicated publicly had created damaging implications for its reputation, and criticized what it described as a lack of clarity and transparency.