Manchester City has established itself as a dominant force in English football, winning numerous league titles and even securing the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy. But their success extends beyond the pitch, thanks to their involvement in a unique multi-club ownership scheme. This scheme is governed by the City Football Group (CFG), a UK-based holding company that administers professional football clubs. In this article, we will explore the origins and history of the CFG, their expansion into various countries, and the purpose of this multi-club ownership model. We’ll also delve into the controversy surrounding such ownership groups and discuss whether they are the future of football.
What Is The City Football Group?
The City Football Group, often referred to as CFG, is a holding company that oversees a network of football clubs. It was founded in 2013 and is primarily owned by the Abu Dhabi United group, who also own Manchester City. Alongside the Abu Dhabi investors, CFG is also partially owned by Silver Lake, China Media Capital, and CITIC Capital. The company’s name is derived from Manchester City Football Club, which acts as the flagship club and parent company of the entire network. However, CFG has expanded well beyond Manchester, with clubs in countries such as the United States, Australia, India, Japan, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, China, Belgium, France, and Italy under their ownership.
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City Football Group: Origins & History
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The City Football Group was established in 2013, five years after Sheikh Mansour’s takeover of Manchester City. Under the leadership of CEO Ferran Soriano, the group aimed to create a global football business entity of significant stature. Their first major move was the acquisition of the 20th team in Major League Soccer, which became New York City FC. They also expanded into Australian football by acquiring Melbourne Heart and rebranding it as Melbourne City FC. Over the years, CFG continued to expand its network, venturing into women’s football and acquiring stakes in clubs across Asia and Europe.
Which Clubs Are Part Of City Football Group?
Currently, the City Football Group owns 12 clubs located in different parts of the world. These clubs compete in various leagues, ranging from the Premier League in the UK to the MLS in the United States. Here is a list of the clubs under the CFG umbrella:
- Manchester City (Premier League, UK)
- New York City FC (MLS, USA)
- Melbourne City FC (J-League, Australia)
- Montevideo City Torque (Uruguayan Primera Division, Uruguay)
- Troyes AC (Ligue 1, France)
- Lommel S.K. (Belgian First Division B, Belgium)
- Mumbai City FC (Indian Super League, India)
- Girona FC (La Liga, Spain)
- Sichuan Jiuniu FC (China League One, China)
- Yokohama F. Marinos (J-League, Japan)
- Palermo FC (Serie B, Italy)
- Esporte Club Bahia (Campeonato Brasiliero Seria, Brazil)
What Is The Purpose of City Football Group?
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The main objective of the City Football Group is to create a network of football clubs that can operate in a mutually beneficial manner. Manchester City, as the founder club, acts as the pinnacle of this network, with other clubs fitting into the multi-club ownership structure below them. This structure enables the sharing of players across clubs, facilitates smooth communication, and allows for smart recruitment strategies across the CFG landscape. The group’s combined knowledge of players worldwide provides them with a vast pool of talent to choose from. This model has proven successful on the pitch, as evidenced by the numerous trophies won by Manchester City and other CFG-owned clubs.
Are Multi-Club Ownership Groups The Future Of Football?
The rise of multi-club ownership groups has sparked both excitement and controversy in the world of football. While some see it as an innovative approach that can lead to success, others criticize the enormous sums of money involved and raise concerns about the impact on the soul and essence of the game. Despite this opposition, the City Football Group continues to thrive and expand its influence, following in the footsteps of other successful multi-club ownership models like the Red Bull franchise. As more corporations explore the world of football ownership, the future of the sport may see an increase in these multi-club ownership groups.
FAQs
Q: How many clubs are owned by the City Football Group?
A: The City Football Group owns 12 clubs across the world.
Q: Who owns the City Football Group?
A: The majority ownership of the City Football Group lies with the Abu Dhabi United group, with additional stakes held by Silver Lake, China Media Capital, and CITIC Capital.
Q: What is the purpose of the multi-club ownership model?
A: The purpose of the multi-club ownership model is to create a network of football clubs that can operate in a mutually beneficial way, sharing resources, players, and expertise.
Summary
The City Football Group is a UK-based holding company that oversees a network of football clubs around the world. Starting with Manchester City as the flagship club, CFG has expanded its ownership to include clubs in various countries. This multi-club ownership model enables them to operate in a mutually beneficial manner, sharing players and resources across the network. Although multi-club ownership groups have faced criticism, CFG’s success on the pitch and their continued expansion indicate that this model may have a significant role in the future of football. To learn more about the City Football Group and their clubs, visit their official website and explore the world of football under their ambitious umbrella.
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