Etihad Considers Legal Action Against Premier League After Man City Verdict

Etihad Airways says it is considering legal options after the Premier League published findings against Manchester City.

What Happened

Etihad Airways said on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, that it is considering legal action against the Premier League following the publication of an independent commission’s findings in the case involving Manchester City.

In a statement, the airline said it would “seek the relevant legal counsel on the options and recourse available to protect its interests.” Etihad also categorically rejected any finding, conclusion or implication that it had been involved in improper commercial arrangements.

Etihad said the Premier League did not contact or engage with the airline during the process. It also objected to the manner in which the commission’s findings were publicly communicated, saying this had created damaging implications for the airline. The published report does not name Etihad.

The airline also said it stands with Manchester City as the club challenges the commission’s conclusions through the processes available to it. City have said they will pursue the appeal avenues available to them.

Background & Context

The development follows the publication of an independent commission’s decision in the Premier League’s case against Manchester City concerning 115 alleged breaches of the league’s financial rules. The Premier League said the commission found serious breaches over a nine-season period. Manchester City have maintained their innocence and are expected to appeal the findings.

Etihad has had a long-standing commercial relationship with Manchester City. The airline became the club’s main partner in 2009, and a 2011 partnership expansion included the naming rights for what became the Etihad Stadium.

The airline’s response does not amount to a legal claim having been filed. Its position, as reported on 30 September, is that it is considering its legal options and intends to obtain legal advice before deciding what recourse may be available.

Etihad’s objection is also distinct from Manchester City’s challenge to the commission’s findings. While City are contesting the conclusions of the proceedings, Etihad is specifically raising concerns about the treatment of the airline during the process and the way the findings were subsequently presented publicly.

Key Details

• Forum: Premier League independent commission in the original proceedings. Any potential Etihad legal action has not yet been filed, and no forum has been identified.
• Date: 30 September 2026.
• Parties: Etihad Airways, the Premier League and Manchester City.
• Current Status: Etihad is considering legal options and seeking legal advice. Manchester City is expected to appeal the commission’s conclusions. No legal claim by Etihad has been filed.

Why It Matters

The dispute brings a third party into the fallout from a regulatory proceeding directed at a football club. Etihad says it was not named in the published findings, but argues that the way the findings were communicated nevertheless created implications for the airline’s reputation.

The distinction between the two positions is important. Manchester City’s challenge concerns the commission’s conclusions about the club, while Etihad’s stated concerns focus on process and communication, particularly its claim that it was not consulted or given an opportunity to provide information during the proceedings.

For now, Etihad has not commenced a reported legal action. Its next step is to obtain legal advice on the options and recourse available to it. The precise legal route, if any, will depend on that advice and any subsequent decision by the airline.

The episode also highlights how findings in a financial-regulatory case can have consequences beyond the entity formally subject to the proceedings, particularly where commercial partners are referenced or perceived to be implicated. In this case, however, Etihad’s position is that it was not involved in improper arrangements, and that its interests have been affected by the presentation of the findings rather than by a finding against the airline itself.

Closing

Etihad Airways is considering legal options following the publication of the Premier League commission’s findings against Manchester City. The airline disputes any implication of improper commercial involvement and says it was not consulted during the process. No legal claim has been filed by Etihad at this stage, while Manchester City is pursuing the appeal processes available to it.