Etihad Airways strongly rejects financial allegations against Man City

Etihad Airways has strongly rejected any findings shared by the Premier League Commission on the disciplinary proceedings involving financial allegations against Manchester City.

Etihad, City's principal sponsor since 2009, said it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication" that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements in a statement shared with ARN on Thursday.

The Premier League said on Tuesday that City had used "fake" commercial contracts as part of schemes to inflate revenue and understate costs by more than $1.2 billion over nearly a decade.

Meanwhile, the airline said the league never contacted or consulted it during the commission process and gave it no opportunity to provide information or challenge material that may have reflected adversely on the company.

It added that the Premier League's public communication of the findings, which it described as selective leaks and reporting, had harmed its reputation.

"Etihad is deeply concerned by the way this matter has been communicated publicly," the statement said. "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 [redacted] published findings".

"The Premier League must take responsibility for the consequences of the way in which these findings have been presented," the airline added. 

The airline also said it will seek legal advice on the options available to protect its interests as it continues supporting the football club. 

"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," the airline noted. 

City previously denied any wrongdoing and said they intend to appeal. They stated they were "disappointed and surprised" by the commission's opinion.