From the Guardian · · 1m
Etihad Funding Claims Clash With City Appeal
Etihad denies Abu Dhabi government funding for Manchester City, contradicting club's appeal defense.
In brief
Etihad denies Abu Dhabi government funding for Manchester City, contradicting club's appeal defense. Manchester City's appeal against financial rule breaches claims government paid for their sponsorship, but Etihad states it funded the deal independently. Originally reported by the Guardian.
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”
What it means
Manchester City's appeal against financial rule breaches claims government paid for their sponsorship, but Etihad states it funded the deal independently.
