Manchester City FC has formed a new partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Palace, becoming the club’s luxury hotel partner.

The new partnership will see the Emirates Palace brand featured across club assets including the Etihad Stadium, training ground and training kit, whilst the hotel has previously been used by the first team as a base during warm weather training visits.

Stephan Cieplik, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships Sales, City Football Group, commented: “Emirates Palace has provided Manchester City and its first-team players with access to first class accommodation and training facilities on a number of occasions.

“It’s fantastic that we’re able to build on this existing relationship and welcome the hotel as an official partner today. We look forward to working with the team to bring the partnership to life.” 

Additionally, the top-flight team’s Manager, Pep Guardiola, will also be featured in collaborative content captured during a previous visit to Emirates Palace. 

City Football Schools based in Abu Dhabi also currently use the pitch facilities at the hotel to host educational and community sessions with children in the region.  

Michael Koth, General Manager & Area Vice President Operations Middle East, Emirates  Palace, Abu Dhabi, added: “The partnership with Manchester City reinforces Emirates Palace’s  position as the ultimate destination for sports, leisure and recreational facilities in the capital  of the United Arab Emirates. 

“With our FIFA-approved football pitch and other award-winning  facilities, we are excited to be the training ground for the English Premier League Club and to host educational and training sessions for sports enthusiasts and children of the region.” 

The team continues its Abu Dhabi-based partnerships after working alongside Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority since 2010 as its official destination partner. However in 2020, it was reported that the Abu Dhabi government, not Etihad airlines, was ‘covering’ the sponsorship of Manchester City.

The CFCB, UEFA’s financial fair play compliance body, banned the Premier League side from the Champions League for two seasons and fined the club €30m, after concluding the club was not being truthful that Etihad singularly funded its £67.5m sponsorship.

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