Etihad Airways a menacé la Premier League de poursuites judiciaires à la suite du verdict de la commission indépendante, qui a reconnu Manchester City coupable de toutes les infractions financières retenues contre le club.

Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements. The Premier League's public communication of the Commission's findings, following a period of selective leaks and reporting, has further created damaging implications for Etihad despite the airline not being named in the redacted published findings.

Etihad added that at no time did the Premier League reach out to them and, as a result, the airline was never given the opportunity to be represented, provide relevant information, or to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the information used to reach conclusions that may now be seen as casting a shadow over the airline's reputation. An Etihad spokesperson confirmed the airline is considering its legal options.