City Football Group
Global multi-club football ownership company controlled by Abu Dhabi United Group, owning Manchester City and multiple professional football clubs worldwide.
Company Type
private
Founded
2008
Headquarters
Manchester, United Kingdom
Revenue
approximately $1.2 billion (FY2024, estimated group revenue)
Employees
approximately 2,000
Primary Market
Global
community investmentyouth development
About City Football Group
Who owns City Football Group?
City Football Group is majority owned by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Silver Lake Partners holds a minority stake. Khaldoon Al Mubarak serves as Chairman.
City Football Group is majority owned by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Silver Lake Partners holds a minority stake. Khaldoon Al Mubarak serves as Chairman.
Is City Football Group publicly traded?
No. City Football Group is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
No. City Football Group is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
How many clubs does City Football Group own?
As of February 2026, CFG owns or has partnerships with over 12 clubs including Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, Girona FC, Mumbai City FC, Montevideo City Torque, Lommel SK, Troyes AC, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Al Jazira (collaboration).
As of February 2026, CFG owns or has partnerships with over 12 clubs including Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, Girona FC, Mumbai City FC, Montevideo City Torque, Lommel SK, Troyes AC, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Al Jazira (collaboration).
What charges does Manchester City face?
Manchester City faces 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of financial rules covering 2009 to 2018. Manchester City has denied the charges. The case was before an independent commission as of February 2026.
Manchester City faces 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of financial rules covering 2009 to 2018. Manchester City has denied the charges. The case was before an independent commission as of February 2026.
When did Manchester City win the Champions League?
Manchester City won its first UEFA Champions League title in June 2023, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul, completing a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
Manchester City won its first UEFA Champions League title in June 2023, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul, completing a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
History of City Football Group
Abu Dhabi United Group acquired Manchester City Football Club in September 2008 for approximately £210 million. At the time, Manchester City was a mid-table Premier League club. Under ADUG's ownership, Manchester City invested heavily in players, coaching staff, and facilities, transforming into one of the world's most successful football clubs.
CFG was formally established in 2013 as a holding company for ADUG's football investments. In 2013, CFG co-founded New York City FC with the New York Yankees, entering Major League Soccer. Melbourne City FC (formerly Melbourne Heart) was acquired in 2014. Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay were acquired in subsequent years. Girona FC in Spain was acquired in 2017. Mumbai City FC in India was acquired in 2019.
Manchester City won its first UEFA Champions League title in June 2023, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final in Istanbul, completing a historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League). Manchester City won the Premier League title again in the 2023-24 season, its fourth consecutive title.
In September 2025, CFG announced a collaboration with Al Jazira, a UAE Pro League club whose chairman is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expanding CFG's network in the Middle East.
Manchester City faces 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of financial fair play rules covering the period 2009 to 2018. The case was referred to an independent commission and proceedings were ongoing as of February 2026.
City Football Group Sustainability & Ethics
City Football Group has implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives focused on community investment, youth development, and ethical business practices across its global football operations. The company recognizes its role in local communities and is committed to using football as a platform for positive social impact and community development.
The company invests significantly in community programs through its clubs, focusing on youth development, education, health and wellness initiatives, and social inclusion projects. CFG's community investment programs include football education in schools, coaching development programs, and facilities that serve local communities beyond professional football.
City Football Group maintains strong environmental sustainability programs across its stadium operations and training facilities. The company has implemented energy-efficient stadium management, waste reduction programs, and sustainable transportation initiatives. Manchester City's Etihad Stadium has achieved environmental certifications for its sustainability practices.
In ethical business practices, CFG maintains comprehensive compliance programs for football regulations, anti-corruption policies, and responsible ownership standards. The company's ethical framework includes strong governance practices, transparency in operations where possible, and adherence to all applicable football association regulations.
CFG participates in industry sustainability initiatives and collaborates with football governing bodies to advance environmental and social responsibility across the football sector. The company's sustainability reporting includes progress metrics on community impact, environmental initiatives, and youth development programs across its global operations.
Awards & Recognition
City Football Group has received recognition for its football excellence, community impact, and business innovation:
- **UEFA Champions League Winners:** Manchester City won the Champions League in 2023, completing a historic treble
- **Premier League Champions:** Four consecutive titles (2021-22 through 2024-25) for Manchester City
- **Best Sports Ownership Group:** Multiple industry recognitions for multi-club ownership excellence
- **Community Investment Awards:** Recognition for youth development and community programs
- **Stadium Sustainability Awards:** Recognition for environmental initiatives at Etihad Stadium
- **Football Innovation Awards:** Recognition for data analytics and technology adoption
- **Global Sports Business Awards:** Recognition for international expansion and commercial success
- **Corporate Social Responsibility:** Recognition for community engagement and social impact programs
These awards reflect City Football Group's commitment to football excellence, community responsibility, and responsible business practices while maintaining its position as the world's leading multi-club football ownership group.
Controversy, Regulation & Public Scrutiny
Manchester City faces 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of financial rules covering the period 2009 to 2018. The charges include alleged failures to provide accurate financial information, alleged failures to provide details of player and manager payments, and alleged breaches of UEFA financial fair play rules. Manchester City has denied the charges. The case was referred to an independent commission and proceedings were ongoing as of February 2026.
UEFA's multi-club ownership rules have created complications for CFG when both Manchester City and Girona FC qualified for the UEFA Champions League in the 2024-25 season. UEFA required CFG to demonstrate sufficient separation between the clubs' operations to allow both to participate.
Brands Owned by City Football Group
City Football Group owns 6 brands in our database.
Girona FC
Owned by City Football Group
Spanish professional soccer team based in Girona, competing in La Liga.
soccerla-ligaprofessional-sports
Manchester City
Owned by City Football Group
English professional football club based in Manchester, competing in the Premier League and one of the most successful clubs in world football.
footballpremier-leagueenglish-football
Melbourne City FC
Owned by City Football Group
Australian professional soccer team based in Melbourne, competing in the A-League.
soccera-leagueprofessional-sports
Mumbai City FC
Owned by City Football Group
Indian professional soccer team based in Mumbai, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL).
soccerislprofessional-sports
New York City FC
Owned by City Football Group
American professional soccer team based in New York, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS).
soccermlsprofessional-sports
Yokohama F. Marinos
Owned by City Football Group
Japanese professional soccer team based in Yokohama, competing in the J-League.
soccerj-leagueprofessional-sports
Shop City Football Group Brands
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City Football Group Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Largest multi-club football ownership group globally, with 12+ clubs across multiple continents
- +Manchester City won the UEFA Champions League in 2023 and four consecutive Premier League titles (2021-22 through 2024-25)
- +Multi-club model creates talent development pipelines and player trading opportunities
- +Significant financial resources from Abu Dhabi United Group ownership
- +Silver Lake minority stake validates CFG's commercial value and growth potential
Considerations
- -Manchester City faces 115 Premier League charges related to alleged financial rule breaches; proceedings ongoing as of February 2026
- -UEFA multi-club ownership rules create complications when multiple CFG clubs qualify for European competition
- -Private ownership limits financial transparency
- -Regulatory scrutiny of state-linked ownership in football continues to evolve
- -Balancing resources and attention across 12+ clubs is operationally complex
Frequently Asked Questions About City Football Group
Who owns City Football Group?
City Football Group is majority owned by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family. Silver Lake Partners holds a minority stake. Khaldoon Al Mubarak serves as Chairman.
Is City Football Group publicly traded?
No. City Football Group is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
How many clubs does City Football Group own?
As of February 2026, CFG owns or has partnerships with over 12 clubs including Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos, Girona FC, Mumbai City FC, Montevideo City Torque, Lommel SK, Troyes AC, Palermo FC, Bahia, and Al Jazira (collaboration).
What charges does Manchester City face?
Manchester City faces 115 charges from the Premier League related to alleged breaches of financial rules covering 2009 to 2018. Manchester City has denied the charges. The case was before an independent commission as of February 2026.
When did Manchester City win the Champions League?
Manchester City won its first UEFA Champions League title in June 2023, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul, completing a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
Sources & Further Reading
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