August 2 – Manchester City have returned from their Japan pre-season jaunt with a new sponsor. Melco Resorts & Entertainment is to become the club’s Official Partner in Japan in a deal that also covers City’s sister club in Japan, Yokohama F. Marinos.
Melco – which develops, owns and operates resorts and integrated accommodation, dining, shopping and gaming complexes throughout Asia, Australia and Europe – will become the Community Presenting Partner of Yokohama F. Marinos.
Damian Willoughby, senior vice president of partnerships at City Football Group, said: “Melco and Manchester City share a common approach to have entertainment at the heart of everything we do, providing great experiences for our fans and visitors. We are also both committed to using football as a force for good and are excited for the launch of Melco’s new community football programme in Japan.”
The focus of the deal is to create and implement community programmes and events building an entry into the Japanese market and supporting its business worldwide.
Lawrence Ho (pictured), chairman and CEO of Melco, said: “This partnership contract is not only a business sponsorship, but rather a broad business partnership to enliven the community through various activities at ground level.”
“We are not yet doing business in Japan, but as a first step we will become a become a member of the Japanese community through the Marinos.”
The Melco logo will now appear on the Yokohama F. Marinos kit.
“Building successful teams and successful partnerships have a lot in common. At Melco, we look for shared ambition and 21st century values. And in Manchester City and Marinos we have found perfect partners – businesses that excel at entertaining, whilst putting community first. Melco’s connections to Japan run deep, so being able to support grassroots community programmes across the country is an exciting opportunity for us all.”
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