Etihad considers legal action over Premier League handling of Manchester City findings

Etihad Airways is considering legal action against the Premier League over the public presentation of findings against Manchester City, according to BBC Sport. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline rejected suggestions that it had participated in improper commercial arrangements and said it would seek legal advice on ways to protect its interests. No legal action was confirmed in the report.

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The dispute follows the Premier League's announcement on Tuesday that City had been found guilty of all charges concerning breaches of its financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. BBC Sport reported that the findings included artificially inflating revenue by more than £900m through sponsorship arrangements. City have repeatedly denied wrongdoing and indicated that they intend to lodge an appeal by the end of the week.

Etihad, City's main sponsor since 2009, challenged the implications of the league's public communication, saying the airline was not named in the redacted findings that had been published. It argued that the announcement, following leaks and reporting, had nevertheless damaged its interests. The airline also said it had not been given an opportunity to participate in a process that it believed now reflected adversely on it.

The statement criticised what Etihad regarded as a lack of transparency and clarity, and said the Premier League should take responsibility for how the findings had been presented. These were the airline's objections to the handling of the case, rather than an announced outcome of any separate legal proceedings. The Premier League declined to comment when approached by BBC Sport about the statement.

Separately, senior figures in football told BBC Sport they wanted City's punishment resolved before the end of the season. Speaking anonymously, club sources expressed support for a swift conclusion while acknowledging that the process had to be conducted properly. Those comments did not establish a confirmed timetable for a sanction or for the completion of any appeal.

The decision on punishment rests with the independent commission. Both City and the Premier League board can put forward a proposed sanction before the panel decides. The league has said it wants the process completed as quickly as possible, while City's chief executive Ferran Soriano has suggested the case could continue for a long time. City have signalled an appeal; Etihad, separately, is considering its legal options.