Man City appeal: it claims Abu Dhabi government funded key sponsorships

Manchester City is set to appeal the Premier League’s verdict, insisting that its key sponsorship deals were funded by the Abu Dhabi government rather than the club’s owners. The move follows an independent commission finding City guilty of all charges linked to breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

City’s appeal line

City has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and, according to BBC Sport, expects to tell the appeal board it has evidence that money directed to sponsors came from the Abu Dhabi government, not from Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). The commission rejected that position, calling it “untrue” and describing it as an explanation made “well after the event” to obscure the realities of a disguised funding scheme.

Repercussions for sponsors

City says the decision contains “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe”. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak pointed to “irrefutable evidence” on Saturday. Etihad Airways, the club’s principal sponsor, said it is considering legal action against the Premier League over “damaging implications”, while the airline “categorically rejects” any implication that it has been involved in improper commercial arrangements.