Man City sponsors make major decision that could impact Premier League investigation

The primary sponsor of Manchester City has made a choice that may have a significant effect on the Premier League’s financial inquiry into the team.

The Premier League filed 115 financial rule violations against City in February 2023, most of which had to do with sponsorship deal values.

In addition to other charges, City is accused of inflating the value of sponsorship agreements, with a significant portion of the proceeds purportedly coming from the club’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group.

According to a revelation by the German journal Der Spiegel, the club’s primary sponsor, Etihad Airways, only paid £8 million of the official £67.5 million that they were supposed to pay City for the seasons 2012–13, 2013–14, and 2015–16. The remaining amount was reportedly provided by the club’s owners.

That would indicate a fraudulent conspiracy between City executives and the airline, in violation of both Premier League and UEFA financial regulations.

City vehemently refutes the accusations, stating that they “look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all” and “welcome the review of this matter by an independent commission.”

According to reports, Etihad and banks are currently discussing the possibility of going public on the stock exchange, which might have an effect on the Premier League investigation.

It has been claimed that Etihad is getting ready for an IPO, or initial public offering, which involves making their account publicly visible to the public before listing on a stock exchange.

The Mirror was informed by investment banking specialists that Etihad is unlikely to permit such access if doing so would expose proof of a rigged sponsorship agreement with City.

That would be considered fraud, which might negatively impact Etihad’s standing with prospective investors.

According to the source, who spoke to The Mirror, “City executives are accused of lying to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as well as to the club’s independent auditors and of conspiring with Etihad officials.

“Consequently, that also raises questions about what details City’s owners gave Silverlake prior to the American private equity firm acquiring a sizeable share of the team in 2019.”

“That’s why the Premier League’s allegations go way beyond accusing City of failing to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.”

Later this year, an impartial tribunal is anticipated to consider City’s appeal; by then, Etihad may have already listed on a public exchange.