The largest football club in Bolivia has joined the City Football Group (CFG) as its first 'partner club'.
Club Bolivar is the latest to join the Premier League giants Manchester City's football empire, and become the second South American side after Paraguayan outfit Montevideo City Torque, which joined in 2017.
Club Bolivar, based in the capital La Paz, has won 29 domestic league titles - more than any other Bolivian club.
Ferran Soriano, CEO of CFG, said: “We are very pleased to grow our global presence through this important collaboration with Club Bolivar, City Football Group’s first partner club.
"This long-term agreement is the first of its kind and will enable Club Bolivar to draw down on and utilise the wide range of football industry expertise developed by City Football Group.
"As well as supporting Club Bolivar’s ambitions, we have an opportunity to learn. Our work in Bolivia will certainly strengthen our knowledge of, and network in, South American football.”
According to CFG, Club Bolivar will have access to its "wide breadth of expertise", as well as technology, advice and practice.
It will also be able to use the group's scouting and coaching methodologies.
On the business side, CFG said it will help Club Bolivar grow its partnership revenue, build world-class facilities, promote league-wide improvements, and support the development of its key executives.
Club Bolivar join teams such as Melbourne City FC, New York City FC, Girona, Yokohama F. Marinos and Troyes AC to join CFG.
Mr Soriano added: “Club Bolivar is the biggest and best club in Bolivia with a rich and successful history.
"We are excited by Marcelo’s vision for the Club and we are looking forward to working together and striving to help Club Bolivar achieve very ambitious goals in the coming future.”
Marcelo Claure, president of Bolivar, said: “Today, a dream becomes reality. Club Bolivar joins the City Football Group family as a Partner Club, consolidating a long-term project developing world-class football, corporate and infrastructure standards that will enable Club Bolivar to become even bigger.
"We will utilize the expertise and advice that CFG brings to continue in our goal to place Bolivar as a top club in Latin America.”
