Man City’s £830m defence hit by contradictory Etihad Statement

Manchester City’s appeal against their financial-rule verdict has been thrown into fresh controversy after a previous statement from title sponsor Etihad Airways appeared to contradict one of the club’s key arguments according to talkSPORT.

City are expected to argue that £830.69 million linked to sponsorship agreements between 2009 and 2018 was funded by the Abu Dhabi government rather than owner Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group.

However, Etihad previously insisted its Manchester City sponsorship was paid from its own funds and was not subsidised by the Abu Dhabi government. The independent commission rejected City’s explanation, while the club continues to deny wrongdoing and says it has evidence supporting its appeal.