Etihad threatens to drag Premier League to court over Man City verdict
Abu Dhabi airline, Etihad, the title sponsors of Manchester City has threatened to drag the Premier League to court for creating what it describes as “damaging implications” after its client was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges brought against the troubled EPL club.
Following years of investigation and a highly anticipated hearing, the Premier League published its official findings confirming the extensive rule violations.
The independent commission concluded that over a nine-season period spanning from 2009/10 to 2017/18 Manchester City engaged in systemic financial deception.
While reacting to the ruling by the Premier League, the Abu Dhabi airline disclosed that it was never given a right of reply or a chance to ‘provide relevant information’ during the investigation.
It claimed in a statement that despite not being named in the published findings by the Premier League, the matter has seriously impacted on the image of the company which has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
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“Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements. We are considering legal action.
“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.
They added: “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.”
Manchester City have vehemently denied the findings with club CEO Ferran Soriano slamming the independent commission’s findings calling the allegations a “Premier League conspiracy theory” in a message to staff.
