Man City threaten legal action against third division club in Chile

Manchester City have sent a ‘cease and desist’ warning to Chilean third division side Santiago City over their club crest.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Man City lawyers sent a nine-page document to the South American outfit, alleging “unauthorised use of trademark and characteristic design”.

The club launched their new crest last year. City’s lawyers also reportedly noted that a press release from the Chilean side said their name was “adopted in a direct attempt to imitate Man City and other teams” in the City Football Group.

Little is known about Santiago City. The club has never competed in a professional game. Their official website was also down as of Thursday morning.

Who are the City Football Group?

The City Football Group is a holding company that acts as the parent company of Manchester City.

The concept was put into motion by City’s chief executive officer, Ferran Soriano, in 2013. There were plans for a similar idea to occur at Barcelona. However, the Spaniard would eventually leave the club.

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The CFG assisted in creating New York City FC. At the time, it was the 20th MLS franchise. Including City, the group now owns all or part of 10 men’s football teams and five women’s teams.

Read: Man City Women star Caroline Weir scores beautiful chip during Manchester Derby

They include Manchester City Women, the subject of a rebrand in 2012. The women’s side had been previously affiliated with the men’s side. However, they became an official part of the club. City are now one of the most successful teams in English women’s football. They have won seven trophies since the rebranding.

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Other clubs under partial CFG ownership include former La Liga side Girona and four-time Japanese J1 League champions Yokohama F. Marinos. Ange Postecoglou previously managed the latter. That was before he took charge at Celtic.

Read: Olivier Giroud reveals how Kilmarnock jibe played a role in rejecting Celtic

City’s legal challenge to Santiago City is reportedly based on the accusation that the Chilean side has confused the public with marketing suggesting they are part of the CFG.

Only one South American club currently falls under the CFG banner. They are Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay. The team currently plays in the country’s top division.

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