Multi-club ownership has become a hot topic in the world of football, with more and more teams seemingly finding themselves under the same umbrella as others.
Perhaps the most wide-reaching and successful ownership project in football right now is the City Football Group, of which English giants Manchester City are the flagship side.
It’s a modern football invention that angers many supporters and leaves a sour taste in the mouth, while some see it as simply the future of an ever-evolving sport.
City Football Group are not the only multi-club project out there, but here’s all you need to know about what it is and the teams currently part of it.
City Football Group (CFG) was established back in 2013 and has grown rapidly ever since. According to their official website, it is: “The owner of football-related businesses in major cities around the world, including football clubs, academies, technical support and marketing companies.”
They state their ambition is to: “Increase participation in football on and off the field, to find and develop the best footballing talent, and to deliver an exciting and forward playing game.”
The real beginnings of City Football Group can be traced back to Sheikh Mansour’s purchase of Man City back in 2008 via his Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment vehicle. City Football Group was then created in 2013 when they acquired New York City Football Club. Since 2021, via Newton Investment and Development, Mansour owns 81% of the group, with the US private equity company Silver Lake holding 18.16% (and China Media Capital and CITIC Capital the remainder). Mansour is still the majority owner of Man City.
The reason a setup like CFG concerns many in the sport, especially from a romantic standpoint, is that it dilutes the identities of individual clubs and creates the feeling they are all simply feeder sides for Man City, the flagship team.
In more of a competitive sense, this has been illustrated by Man City’s pursuit of Savio, a talented player owned by Troyes, another CFG club, and on loan at Girona.
On the face of it, negotiations should be easy. 90min reported in February the Premier League would likely conduct a fair market valuation of the proposed transfer if there are any concerns about the deal. No transfer has been agreed as of yet, but City seem confident there would not be an issue. City have to ensure they pay a representative fee for the player, one that any other club would stump up.
Further complications with this multi-club ownership come in the form of UEFA competitions. UEFA rules currently prohibit two teams owned by the same entity from competing in the same tournament. Girona are currently second in La Liga and there is a very strong chance both they and Man City will be in the Champions League in 2024/25, meaning CFG could have some tough decisions to make.
Another criticism levelled at CFG is that of sportswashing. Some would say it is a sovereign state – the United Arab Emirates – buying football real estate around the world to create a winning machine, which in turn enhances its global image and opens up new business opportunities. This sporting success is used to detract from human rights violations at home.
According to Freedom House, ‘the civil liberties of both citizens and noncitizens are subject to significant restrictions’ in the UAE. Amnesty International notes there are no political parties, almost no freedom of expression, the use of arbitrary detentions and torture, a lack of effort to tackle the climate crisis and a lack of rights for refugees, migrant workers, women and LGBTIQA+ people.
What clubs are in City Football Group?
Man City cannot stop winning trophies / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages
2. New York City FC
New York City FC are struggling this season / David Jensen/GettyImages
Melbourne City might not defend their crown this season / Mark Kolbe/GettyImages
4. Yokohama F. Marinos
Yokohama F. Marinos are managed by Harry Kewell / Masashi Hara/GettyImages
Montevideo City Torque are a Uruguayan yo-yo club / Agencia Gamba/GettyImages
6. Girona
Girona have been flying / David Ramos/GettyImages
8. Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City recently faced Al Hilal in continental competition / Nikhil Patil/GettyImages
Lommel SK are seeking promotion / FILIP LANSZWEERT/GettyImages
10. Troyes
Troyes took on PSG last season but are now fighting against relegation from Ligue 2 / Jean Catuffe/GettyImages
Palermo are known for their pink kits / Ciancaphoto Studio/GettyImages
12. Bahia
Kayky is the main footballing link between Man City and Bahia / James Williamson – AMA/GettyImages
14. Istanbul Basaksehir – Partner Club
Istanbul Basaksehir could be on the way to CFG ownership / Anadolu/GettyImages
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