The Middle East and European soccer are becoming increasingly intertwined — and one of Italy’s biggest clubs is the latest to join in on the movement.
AC Milan has opened an official headquarters in Dubai, making it the first Italian club to plant formal roots in the MENA region. Casa Milan Dubai is situated in the Dubai International Financial Center.
The Serie A giants are one of many European soccer clubs that have major sponsorship ties with the Dubai-based Emirates airline, along with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Lyon, and Benfica.
The United Arab Emirates is no stranger to European soccer. City Football Group, the multiclub owners of Manchester City and many others around the world, is controlled by a member of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family.
Middle East Extension
Elsewhere in the Middle East, the Saudi Pro League continues to become more of a force as it lures top European stars. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the SPL spent nearly $1 billion on transfer fees just over the summer — and that’s not including billions of dollars in player contracts.
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
French soccer powerhouse Paris St. Germain is owned by Qatar Sports Investments, which has reportedly been in discussions about investing in Italian club Sampdoria.
Editor’s note: AC Milan owner RedBird Capital is an investor in Front Office Sports.
