AC MILAN: NEW ACADEMY INAUGURATED IN DUBAI

AC Milan is pleased to announce the opening of a new AC Milan International Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Ball Beast Academy, a local startup that supports the development of projects promoting sports activities and empowerment for young footballers.

The presentation event for the new center of excellence, dedicated to the well-being of youth and the development of future generations' talent, was hosted by the Dubai Sports Council, responsible for the development of the sports sector in the Emirate through programs and activities designed to create awareness, nurture talent, and support creativity. Announcing and detailing the new long-term project in the region was an AC Milan delegation led by CEO Giorgio Furlani, along with Chief Commercial Officer Maikel Oettle, Regional Director Greta Nardeschi, and AC Milan Legend Serginho, accompanied by Hassan Alameddine, General Manager of Ball Beast Academy LCC.

The creation of a new Academy in Dubai represents an important milestone in the Club's global expansion strategy, guided by RedBird Capital Partners. This further demonstrates the focus and commitment to a key territory, confirmed by the opening of Casa Milan Dubai, the new Rossoneri headquarters in the Middle East, last November, and previously by the partnership with Expo 2020.

Already present in the area with the longest-running Academy, inaugurated 15 years ago in Kuwait and hosting over 5,000 boys and girls since then, AC Milan aims to leverage its expertise and experience to contribute to the generation of a healthy and excellent sports culture that reflects the principles of the Milan Method. This is in a territory passionate about the Rossoneri colors: in the entire MEA (Middle East & Africa) region, AC Milan is the most supported Italian club and ranks in the top 10 worldwide, with approximately 2.5 million fans in the United Arab Emirates alone.

In the same region, AC Milan also relies on significant partnerships with Emirates, SIRO, and, specifically, with CFI Financial Group, the Rossoneri's Global Partner who will be among the protagonists of this new venture, appearing on the back-of-shirt of all the young footballers at the new Academy, thus accompanying them in their personal and sporting growth.

Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan, stated: "The inauguration of a new Academy in Dubai is further testimony to our Club's ambition and desire to strengthen our ties with the Middle East, a strategic region rich in passion for our colors and with millions of supporters. We aim to share the Milan Model and invest in the development of young talent, both on and off the field, with the goal of making a tangible impact on the local communities in which we operate and developing our international presence."

Hisham Mansour, Co-founder and Managing Director of CFI, commented: "Partnering with AC Milan at the launch of their Dubai-based AC Milan Club Academy is an exciting opportunity that extends our role globally as the Official Online Trading Partner. With our headquarters in Dubai, this initiative holds special significance for us at CFI. We look forward to contributing to society through this project and are hopeful it will create regional stars. We cannot wait to witness its long-term impact."

Hassan Almeddine, General Manager of Ball Beast Academy LLC, added: "We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Milan Academy in Dubai, a pivotal step in our mission to nurture and elevate football talent in the UAE. Our Academy is committed to instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are essential for personal and athletic growth. By fostering a strong community and providing world-class training, we aim to discover and develop the next generation of football stars, with special programs dedicated to girls in football and people of determination."

AC Milan International Academy in Dubai is part of a network of over 100 Rossoneri Academies in Italy and internationally, which in the 2023/24 season offered programs led by approximately 2,500 AC Milan coaches and educators, involving over 20,000 boys and girls across three different continents.