Etihad Threatens Legal Action Over Premier League Ruling

Etihad Airways has threatened to sue the Premier League after an independent commission found Manchester City committed serious financial breaches.

• Etihad Airways, Manchester City's main sponsor, said it "categorically rejects" the findings and conclusions in the independent commission's decision and has begun seeking legal advice on protecting its interests.

• The commission found Manchester City committed serious financial breaches over nine seasons, but its decision did not indicate Etihad's direct involvement in the violations.

• An Etihad spokesperson said the league's method of announcing the results, after a period of leaks and selective reporting, "created damaging implications for Etihad," although the company was not named in the published ruling.

• The airline said the Premier League never contacted or engaged Etihad in proceedings related to the commission's opinion, and issued a direct warning to the league over its conduct.