Manchester City to appeal Premier League ruling, citing government-funded sponsorships
Manchester City plans to challenge a commission’s finding that it breached financial rules by using inflated sponsorship deals, arguing the funds originated from the Abu Dhabi government.
An independent commission has concluded that Manchester City breached Premier League financial regulations for the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons by inflating revenue through sponsorship agreements linked to its owners. The panel said the club’s explanation that the money came from the Abu Dhabi government was fabricated after the fact.
City, which denied the allegations, intends to lodge an appeal by Friday, asserting that the commission’s decision contains material errors of law, principle and fact. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said the club possesses "irrefutable evidence" supporting its position.
The commission found that Abu Dhabi United Group, the private investment vehicle of Sheikh Mansour, enhanced the value of commercial deals by about £830.69 million in a scheme described as a "disguised funding scheme". Premier League rules permit state-owned entities to sponsor clubs.
Etihad Airways, the club’s principal sponsor and a state-owned airline, said it is reviewing legal options after the findings were released, rejecting any implication of improper arrangements.
The Premier League declined to comment on the matter.