A consortium led by Premier League side Manchester City has reportedly sealed a deal to take over Australian football club Melbourne Heart.
Manchester City's investment in Melbourne Heart follows its establishment of New York City FC in May 2013, which will enter Major League Soccer in the United States in the 2015 season, and its establishment of Manchester City Women's FC, that will play in 2014.
According to the BBC, City's chief executive Ferran Soriano said that they are excited about the opportunity to make Melbourne Heart one of the most successful football clubs in Australia and throughout the region, adding that the strong sports culture of Melbourne, combined with the expertise within their consortium, will make for a powerful combination.
David Gallop, chief executive of the Football Federation of Australia, said that the deal represented a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Hyundai A-League, adding that City and their Australian partners have made a strategic investment, which is another sign that the world is taking notice of Australian football.
