China's Sichuan Jiuniu FC are the latest club to join the City Football Club family
City Football Group, the parent company that owns Manchester City, have announced the joint purchase of the Chinese football club, Sichuan Jiuniu FC.
CFG have bought the Chengdu-based club, who currently play in China League Two, the country's third tier, together with China Sports Capital and Ubtech.
Sichuan Jiuniu FC are the first Chinese side to be added to CFG's global portfolio of clubs, which also includes New York City in the US, Melbourne City in Australia and Japanese club, Yokohama F. Marinos.
https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1098118028678610945
A statement released on Wednesday said: 'City Football Group, Ubtech and China Sports Capital have today announced the joint purchase of Chinese Club Sichuan Jiuniu FC, in the China League Two, in Chengdu, attended by Government Officials, the Club’s fans and senior executives of the new ownership group.'
CFG's chief executive, Ferran Soriano described the venture as "an exciting new chapter in the growth of City Football Group."
"China is an extremely important football market, which we have been focused on for some time," he said. "We are delighted to welcome Sichuan Jiuniu FC to our group, alongside our partners, China Sports Capital and Ubtech. We see this as a natural extension of our existing activities.
"From our work together at Manchester City and across CFG, our relationships with CMC Inc., China Sports Capital and Ubtech make us very confident that we have established a strong ownership group which is well placed to oversee this club.
"We believe strongly in the future of football in China. We are making a long-term, sustainable commitment to grow and develop Sichuan Jiuniu FC and to nurture Chinese footballing talent. Our immediate focus will be strengthening our football performance, using all of our experience and know-how, forging a strong relationship with our fans and building a strong presence in the community."
