Man City sponsor Etihad Airways slams Premier League, seeking legal advice

[p]The Premier League ‌said on Tuesday that City had used "sham" ‌commercial contracts as part of schemes to inflate revenue ‌and understate costs by more than £900 million ($1.2 billion) ‌over nearly a decade.[/p][p]Etihad, City's principal sponsor since 2009, said it "categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication" that ‌it was involved in improper commercial ⁠arrangements.[/p][p][b]In a statement, ‌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.[/b][/p][p][b]"Etihad is deeply concerned by the way ⁠this matter has ​been communicated publicly,"[/b] the statement said. [b]"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 published decision."[/b][/p][infobox id="56fa417b-668f-4479-b327-8fea98ffaefc" /][p]City have denied any wrongdoing and said they intend to appeal.[/p][p]A Premier League spokesperson said on Wednesday they would not be commenting on the Etihad statement.[/p][p]Etihad added that the Premier League's public communication of the findings, following what it described as selective leaks and reporting, had harmed its ‌reputation.[/p][p]While reaffirming its support for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]Manchester City[/a] and ​its longstanding partnership with the club, the ‌airline said it was seeking legal advice on the options available to protect its interests.[/p][p][b]"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," [/b]the statement said.[/p]