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
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.
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 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.
City Football Group has received recognition for its football excellence, community impact, and business innovation:
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.
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.
City Football Group owns 6 brands in our database.

Owned by City Football Group
Spanish professional soccer team based in Girona, competing in La Liga.

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.

Owned by City Football Group
Australian professional soccer team based in Melbourne, competing in the A-League.

Owned by City Football Group
Indian professional soccer team based in Mumbai, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Owned by City Football Group
American professional soccer team based in New York, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Owned by City Football Group
Japanese professional soccer team based in Yokohama, competing in the J-League.
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.
No. City Football Group is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
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).
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 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.
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