Man City 115 Charges: Abu Dhabi Government Funding at Centre of Appeal

Manchester City are preparing to argue that the Abu Dhabi government, rather than the club’s owner, funded key sponsorship deals at the centre of the Premier League’s long-running 115-charge case.

The argument is expected to feature prominently in City’s appeal against the findings of an independent commission, which found the club guilty of 114 of 115 alleged financial-rule breaches covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons.

BBC Sport reports that City are expected to present evidence to an appeal board indicating that funds directed to sponsors originated from the Abu Dhabi government, rather than Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), the private investment company belonging to owner Sheikh Mansour.

The independent commission previously rejected the club’s explanation, describing it as an account allegedly developed retrospectively to conceal what it called a “disguised funding scheme.”

According to the commission’s findings, the alleged arrangement involved £830.69 million in funding from ADUG and was used to artificially inflate Manchester City’s commercial revenue.

Sky Sports reported that the commission found the club had entered into “sham” contracts with several commercial partners.

City’s accounts recorded £949.94 million in commercial revenue from Abu Dhabi sponsors between 2009-10 and 2017-18. The sponsors themselves were found to have paid £119.25 million, while £830.69 million came from ADUG.

City have strongly rejected the findings and are expected to appeal by Friday.

The club has described the commission’s decision as containing “clear material errors of law, principle and fact” and said it was unsafe.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has also said City has “irrefutable evidence” to support its case.

Etihad Hits Back

The case has also triggered a response from Manchester City’s principal sponsor, Etihad Airways, which says it is considering legal action against the Premier League.

Etihad, a City sponsor since 2009, said it “categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication” that it was involved in improper commercial arrangements.

The airline said the Premier League did not contact it during the commission’s process and that it therefore had no opportunity to provide information or respond to issues that could affect its reputation.

According to Etihad, publication of the findings has created “damaging implications” for the airline, even though its name does not appear in the redacted published judgment.

The airline said it would obtain legal advice on how to protect its interests, while insisting that its relationship with Manchester City remains strong.

Sky Sports reported that Etihad was not named in the published judgment. The Premier League has been contacted for a response.

City Face Possible Major Sanctions

Manchester City have confirmed that they intend to challenge the commission’s findings.

The club reportedly has until Friday, October 2, to lodge its appeal, with the case expected to be heard by a fresh three-person commission.

The outcome could have major consequences for City. Possible sanctions include a points deduction, fine, transfer ban or expulsion from the Premier League.

However, no sanction has been imposed at this stage.

The question of who funded the disputed sponsorship arrangements could now become a central issue in Manchester City’s attempt to overturn the commission’s findings as the 115-charge case moves into its appeal phase.

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