The takeover of Manchester City Football Club by the Abu Dhabi United Group, with the backing of the Emirates Royal family, could easily become a double whammy for their English Premier League rivals Chelsea.Manchester's second club (even the most diehard City fan must agree that double trophy winners United are number one at the present time) has beaten Chelsea to the signing of Brazilian forward Robinho from Real Madrid. The support of Etihad might go in time also.
Last September Etihad, Abu Dhabi based, signed a three-year deal with the west London club to be a platinum sponsor and official international airline partner, said to be worth seven figures. With new patriarchs how this is viewed from the Palaces bordering the Arabian Gulf remains to be seen but contracts in the murky world of football do not really mean a lot. Currently Chelsea's shirt sponsor is Samsung and likely to stay that way.
And guess who has been the focus of Chelsea's coaching of children in Abu Dhabi? Shaun Wright-Phillips transferred back from Chelsea to City the day before the ownership deal.
Among the highlights of the partnership is the extensive Etihad branding at Stamford Bridge for Barclays' Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup matches. The airline also features regularly in match day programmes and other Chelsea publications. What would happen if Etihad became the shirt sponsors of City?
As things stand Thomas Cook is the upfront backer of Manchester City, until the end of the current season. Thomas Cook, the airline, does not compete with Etihad and the tour company offers neighbouring Dubai as a holiday destination. Etihad flies daily from Manchester to Abu Dhabi, with connections to points east, using a two class Airbus 330
Etihad chief executive Australian James Hogan is known to be a keen Chelsea fan. However vice president public affairs, Iain Burns, ex-British Airways, is a lifetime supporter of Manchester City.