Cisco Enabling Technology for Five City Football Group Clubs Spanning Four Continents

City Football Group (CFG) has announced a new global multi-year partnership with Cisco, the worldwide technology leader, focused on using technology to drive innovation; enhance connectivity for clubs, players and fans; and positively impact people and communities around the world through sport.

With the agreement Cisco will become an Official Technology Partner for five CFG clubs; Premier League champions Manchester City, New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama F. Marinos and Sichuan Jiuniu FC, including the women’s teams of Manchester City and Melbourne City FC.

This announcement marks Cisco’s first major partnership with a football organisation in the company’s history. Throughout the partnership, CFG will utilise Cisco’s networking and other key technologies to enhance the operations of each club and strengthen connectivity across the Group as a whole. Today’s announcement formalises the relationship between the two organisations which began in 2013 when Manchester City installed Cisco technology across the Etihad Stadium and wider campus – a system that has supported every aspect of the Club’s operation ever since.

As part of its ambition to positively impact the lives of one billion people by 2025, Cisco will support Cityzens Giving, the Group’s global initiative to empower young leaders in cities around the world to tackle social issues through the power of football. In addition to supporting the creation of a new community football project, Cisco’s commitment to bridging hope and possibility through technology will drive innovation and connectivity across the global Cityzens Giving project network.

Damian Willoughby, Senior Vice President of Partnership at City Football Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Cisco which will span four continents across the City Football Group network. CFG is an organisation built on people and we are excited to embrace Cisco’s technologies to better connect our clubs, players and fans across the world.

“This partnership will be driven by its shared values of innovation, pushing the boundaries of our industries and providing a positive impact to the communities in which we operate, and we are delighted to welcome such a prestigious brand into the CFG family.”

Brian Eaton, Director of Global Sports Marketing at Cisco, said: “In City Football Group we found a global organisation that is relentless in its pursuit of excellence and taps into people’s passions in a way that few other things can. While they already use Cisco technology to bring connectivity to fans, they see an opportunity to partner and use technology to positively shape the business of football.

“Cisco believes technology is a bridge to possible, a future that benefits people in a dynamic and positive way. That shared belief is the foundation of our partnership and from which we are excited to embark on a meaningful relationship.”

City Football Group (CFG) is the owner of a number of football related businesses with global relevance. These include high profile professional football clubs, academies, technical support and marketing companies. CFG’s majority-owned clubs include Premier League Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC of the A-League and MLS Franchise New York City FC.

CFG’s other club investments comprise Yokohama F. Marinos of the J-League, Club Atlético Torque in the Primera Division of the Uruguayan league, FC Girona of La Liga and the most recent addition to City Football Group, Sichuan Jiuniu FC from China League Two.

The common aim across all clubs is to provide the best possible experience and an unmatched opportunity for fans and communities to participate in, and benefit from, football at both a local and global level. The Group’s support companies - Global Football and City Football Marketing - operate from a number of offices around the world in support of the Group’s clubs, associate organisations and customer organisations.

Global Football shares footballing IP and “know-how” to recruit, develop, train and win. City Football Marketing creates media, marketing and fan engagement properties to support the commercial development of clubs and their partners.

City Football Group is majority owned by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). ADUG is an investment and development company privately owned by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In December 2015, ADUG divested a 13% shareholding to a China Media Capital-led consortium, creating an unprecedented platform for the growth of CFG clubs and companies in China and internationally.

City Football Group’s headquarters are in Manchester and it has offices in Abu Dhabi, Girona, London, New York, Melbourne, Montevideo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Tokyo.