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Vishal Pradhan

Who Owns Manchester City

Updated: Jun 26

Exploring the Ownership Structure of Manchester City Football Club

Manchester City Football Club, commonly known as Man City, stands as one of the premier football clubs not only in England but on the global stage.


Even before the Saudi takeover Manchester City won major titles before, their first major trophy coming in 1904 after beating Bolton Wonders 1-0 to win the first FA Cup in their history.


But if you talk about recent success then Manchester City has turned into a powerhouse of a club, with Pep Guardiola and financial backing from Etihad, Manchester City has been able to win consecutive Premier League titles from 2018. They have become a regular challenger for the Premier League Title.


Also Recently they won their first Treble in their history with a hat trick of trophies from the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in 2023.



As Usual Manchester City also earns the same way any other club in the world earns. 6 main factors involved in generating revenue for Manchester City, they are -


  • Ownership Investment Commercial Sponsorship

  • Broadcasting Rights

  • Merchandising and Partnership

  • Matchday Revenue

  • Players Transfer


A modern resurgence, the ownership of this iconic club has garnered significant attention over the years. Understanding the web of ownership behind Manchester City unveils a story of ambition, investment, and international influence.



Manchester City Ownership Structure

Manchester City's ownership is controlled by City Football Group (CFG), a multinational football ownership group with interests in several clubs worldwide. Founded in 2014, CFG is majority-owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), a private investment company owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the royal family of Abu Dhabi and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.


Sheikh Mansour's acquisition of Manchester City in 2008 marked a turning point in the club's fortunes. His substantial investment injected financial stability and propelled the club into a new era of success. Under his ownership, Manchester City has transformed from a mid-table Premier League club to a dominant force both domestically and in European competitions.



However, the ownership structure of Manchester City extends beyond Sheikh Mansour and ADUG. CFG, as the parent company, owns multiple football clubs around the world, including New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, and Yokohama F. Marinos, among others.

This global network of clubs allows for collaboration in player development, commercial partnerships, and strategic initiatives, contributing to Manchester City's sustained success.


While Sheikh Mansour and ADUG provide financial backing and strategic direction, Manchester City operates with a degree of autonomy under the leadership of its executive team and manager. This autonomy enables the club to make decisions based on its unique circumstances and ambitions while leveraging the resources and expertise within CFG.



Beyond the direct ownership structure, Manchester City's influence extends into various sectors, including media, technology, and philanthropy. The club's partnerships with global brands and its engagement with local communities underscore its broader impact beyond the football pitch.


Controversies of City Football Club

Despite Manchester City's success on the field and its significant financial backing, the club has not been without controversy. Allegations of financial doping and breaches of UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations have drawn scrutiny and criticism from rival clubs and football authorities. However, Manchester City has consistently denied wrongdoing and successfully navigated legal challenges and investigations.


Recently Premier League has also charged City with a breach in financial fair play rules. But the City has made itself come out of the disastrous spell they endured before Sheikh Mansour's arrival.


Looking ahead, the ownership of Manchester City is poised to continue shaping the club's trajectory and influence in the footballing world. With ongoing investment in infrastructure, youth development, and global expansion, Manchester City remains at the forefront of football's evolving landscape under the stewardship of Sheikh Mansour and the City Football Group.



In conclusion, the ownership of Manchester City Football Club represents a convergence of wealth, ambition, and international collaboration. Through the vision of Sheikh Mansour and the strategic direction of the City Football Group, Manchester City has emerged as a powerhouse in world football, with a global footprint that extends far beyond the confines of the Etihad Stadium. As the club continues to evolve and innovate, its ownership remains a central pillar of its ongoing success and influence.


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Apr 20
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

I though Real Madrid Owned City😂

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