Etihad Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to City after The Athletic contacted all 41 of the club’s commercial partners following the Premier League verdict.
Tom Burrows reports that 13 partners responded after being approached for comment, with City appealing against the findings of the independent commission. Commercial arrangements were central to the commission’s findings against City, but The Athletic stresses that the club’s partners have not themselves been accused of wrongdoing.
Etihad, City’s main sponsor and stadium naming-rights partner, provided the strongest response, rejecting any suggestion that it had been involved in improper commercial arrangements.
Etihad says commitment to Man City remains strong
In a statement to The Athletic, Etihad said it “categorically rejects” any finding, conclusion or implication that suggested the airline had been involved in improper commercial arrangements. The company also criticised the way the commission’s findings had been communicated, saying it had not been approached or represented during the Premier League process. Burrows reports that Etihad indicated it was considering legal action against the league.
Despite the case, the airline made its position on its relationship with City clear, saying its commitment to the club, its supporters and their longstanding partnership “remains strong”. Other sponsors offered more cautious responses. Puma told The Athletic it would not comment while proceedings between City and the relevant football authorities remain ongoing, while Asahi said it was continuing to monitor developments.
Betway said it would maintain a “no comment” position until City’s appeal had been completed and any possible sanctions were known. Revolut, Kellogg’s and several other partners also declined to comment on the case. Burrows reports that 21 of City’s remaining sponsors contacted by The Athletic did not respond.
City continue to contest the commission’s findings and have lodged an appeal, meaning the disciplinary process has not yet reached its conclusion.
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