# Etihad Funding Claims Clash With City Appeal

> Etihad denies Abu Dhabi government funding for Manchester City, contradicting club's appeal defense.
- Title: Etihad Funding Claims Clash With City Appeal · the Guardian
- Summary: Etihad denies Abu Dhabi government funding for Manchester City, contradicting club's appeal defense. Manchester City's appeal against financial rule breaches…
- Keywords: etihad airways, manchester city, abu dhabi government, premier league, financial rule breaches, sponsorship agreement, etihad stadium, sports, Etihad, Funding, Claims, Clash
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/02/manchester-city-fa-guilty-verdict-premier-league-appeal
- Published: 2026-10-02T17:58:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: etihad airways, manchester city, abu dhabi government, premier league, fa, financial rule breaches, sponsorship agreement, etihad stadium, sports
## Etihad's 2015 US Submission
Etihad Airways denied links to Abu Dhabi government funding in a 2015 submission to the US department of commerce.

> The assertion that the Abu Dhabi government paid for Etihad’s sponsorship of English Premier League football club Manchester City is false
## City's Appeal Defense
Manchester City claims commercial contracts were paid for by Abu Dhabi government, not their sponsor.

> We are government-owned and have been since our founding
## Sponsorship Agreement Details
Etihad funded a £400m naming rights deal for Manchester City's stadium in 2011, extended in 2021.

> In 2011, Etihad and Manchester City entered into a 10-year sponsorship agreement, which included naming rights for Manchester City’s stadium
## 2020 Uefa Appeal Contrast
City previously argued all sponsorship income came from commercial partners, not government.

> We are and have always been clear that we do not receive any subsidies from the Abu Dhabi government
## Commission's Dismissal
Independent commission dismissed City's defense as 'untrue' explanation to obscure Disguised Funding Scheme.

> We concluded that it was an ‘explanation’ that the club had concocted well after the event in an attempt to obscure and conceal the realities of the Disguised Funding Scheme
## FA Disciplinary Powers
FA confirms it has powers to take disciplinary action against City and individuals.

> The Independent Commission’s decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game
## FA Action Timeline
FA will wait until January to decide on disciplinary action after appeal concludes.

> We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate
## Key takeaway

Manchester City's appeal against financial rule breaches claims government paid for their sponsorship, but Etihad states it funded the deal independently.