City Football Group expands to India

Liam Watson

City Football Group (CFG) have officially welcomed Indian Super League side Mumbai City as a new member of sister clubs around the world.

The owners of Premier League champions and powerhouse Manchester City have now added to their global partnerships with clubs.

Representatives of CFG was recently in India to undertake a trophy tour and have confirmed their deal with Mumbai City. This new acquisition has meant that CFG have taken a majority 65 per cent share in the top-flight Indian club.

The other 35 per cent of the club has gone to former co-owners – Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and chartered accountant Bimal Parekh.

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This new agreement sees Mumbai City become CFG’s eighth club, who only just recently purchased third-tier Chinese club Sichuan Jiuniu FC.

Mumbai has joined English Premier League’s (EPL) Manchester City FC, A-League’s Melbourne City FC, Major League Soccer’s (MLS) New York City FC, J-League’s Yokohama F. Marinos, Uruguayan Primera División’s Club Atlético Torque and La Liga 2’s Girona FC as all the clubs as part of CFG so far.

“We believe that this investment will deliver transformative benefits to Mumbai City FC, to City Football Group and to Indian Football as a whole,” said CFG Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“City Football Group is committed to the future of football in India and to the potential for Mumbai City FC within that future.

“We are very much looking forward to playing an active role in Mumbai City FC’s fan and local communities, and working with our co-owners to further develop the club as quickly as possible.”

It’s an opportunity now for Indian football to grow as a result of this partnership, which will give Mumbai some added exposure as one of CFG’s new partners.

In conjunction with this announcement, CFG has also moved Damian Willoughby from his role as Senior Vice President of Partnerships to become CFG India Chief Executive. He will be relocated from Singapore to Mumbai in the coming weeks.

The purchase has come in the same week that CFG announced a US$500 million equity investment from Silicon Valley firm Silver Lake in a deal that sees the group now valued at US$4.8 billion.

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Mitre Appointed FV’s Sole Ball Supplier Across All Competitions

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Image credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has unveiled Mitre as its exclusive official ball partner in a significant new three-year deal.

As part of the agreement, Mitre will also serve as a Bronze Partner of the FV Business League, an exclusive networking community created to support members in expanding their connections, elevating their brand, and engaging with like-minded professionals who share a passion for both football and business.

From the 2026 NPL Victoria season, clubs will play with the Mitre Ultimax Pro 26, the latest iteration of Mitre’s iconic match ball. The new Ultimax Pro features cutting-edge technology, enhanced performance, and a contemporary design inspired by the original 1995 model.

The ball incorporates a completely redesigned panel layout, engineered to deliver greater control, more accurate flight, and increased power with every strike.

The new exclusive deal reinforces the eight-year relationship between Mitre and Football Victoria, marking one of the most enduring partnerships in the industry.

FV Commercial Executive Manager, Chris Speldewinde described the agreement as a “major milestone” ahead of the 2026 season.

“Mitre has been a trusted partner of Football Victoria for many years, and this new agreement reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the game at every level,” he said via FV Official media release.

“As we move into the 2026 season, having a world-class ball partner ensures our clubs and players are equipped with the highest standards in performance.”

Director of Sportsmart Group, Gerrard Woods said Mitre was pleased to build on its long-running collaboration with FV.

“Our goal has always been to support the growth of football across the state by delivering products that players and coaches can trust at every level,” he said via press release.

In addition to Mitre’s established reseller network, clubs will be able to order match balls through a dedicated online platform designed for simple, streamlined purchasing.

Bentleigh Greens Forge Ties with MST Lawyers

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Image credit: MST Lawyers

Bentleigh Greens confirmed leading mid-tier commercial law firm, MST Lawyers, as their latest sponsor for the 2026 season. Following an announcement last week, the collaboration strengthens Bentleigh Greens’ commitment to working with Victorian businesses and connecting them with the local football community. 

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

Ranked as a Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law in Best Law Firms 2025 by Best Lawyers and with 60 years of experince, MST Lawyers strives to maintain a client-focused model supported by respect, excellence and dedication.

But it is not only the work which MST Lawyers carries out within the walls of their company which makes a partnership with the Green so exciting. Beyond providing legal counsel and assistance, they support causes across Victoria and beyond to give back to the community who back them. Such causes include the Mayor of Monash Charity Golf Day, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Australia, and Cambodia Rural Students Trust. 

It is ultimately no wonder why an agreement was there to be struck with a club which prides itself on inspiring a supportive environment, fostering young talent, and transforming a business into a family. Going forward, the Greens will no doubt be looking to work with MST Lawyers on matters which concern the team, the club, and the loyal community which supports them. 

Driving Business and Football Forward 

As the Bentleigh Greens look to find success once more in the NPL Victoria after being promoted as champions last season, joining forces with MST Lawyers is a move with positive implications for the club’s future.

“A sincere thank you to the entire MST Lawyers team for their support and belief in our club,” the club said via social media.

“This partnership will play a key role in driving Bentleigh Greens forward both on and off the pitch.”

Given this will be the Green’s first season back in the NPL VIC since 2023, gathering support will be crucial to not just staying in the league next year, but also sustaining its presence in seasons to come.

You can find more about the services provided by MST Lawyers here.

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