Agreement marks a new chapter following United FC’s promotion to the UAE Pro League, with a focus on commercial development, brand positioning and fan engagement
DUBAI, 3 November 2026 — United FC has announced a strategic partnership with LALIGA, Spain’s professional football league, aimed at strengthening the club’s organisational and commercial capabilities as it embarks on a new phase of growth following its historic promotion to the UAE Pro League.
The partnership was unveiled at a press conference held at United FC’s headquarters in Dubai Sports City. H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA; Ilie Cebanu, President of United FC; and Italian football icon Andrea Pirlo, the club’s first-team head coach, took part on stage, in the presence of sports officials and members of the media.
The agreement represents an important milestone in United FC’s long-term vision to establish a sustainable professional club, strengthen its off-pitch operations and build the capabilities required to compete and grow at the highest level of Emirati football.
A comprehensive programme for professional growth
Under the agreement, the two organisations will deliver a tailored development programme covering key areas of modern club management, including marketing, brand strategy, content, matchday experience, hospitality and fan engagement.
The programme will be implemented by LALIGA’s Middle East and North Africa office, with specialist support from its team in Madrid, drawing on international expertise and adapting proven practices to United FC’s identity, needs and ambitions.
The collaboration builds on LALIGA’s extensive work through its Clubs Office, which has delivered more than 272 tailored consultancy projects designed to address clubs’ individual challenges and strategic objectives.
Khalfan Belhoul highlights the value of international partnerships
H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the value of collaboration between Dubai-based clubs and leading international football organisations. He described partnerships of this kind as valuable opportunities to exchange expertise, strengthen the professional development of clubs and support the identification and nurturing of football talent.
He also emphasised the role of knowledge-sharing and strategic cooperation in advancing Dubai’s sporting landscape, creating stronger professional environments and opening new pathways for young players to develop their potential.
Ilie Cebanu: An important milestone in United FC’s long-term vision
Ilie Cebanu, President of United FC, said: “Our partnership with LALIGA represents an important milestone in United FC’s journey and our long-term vision for the future. Following our promotion to the UAE Pro League, we are entering a new phase of growth, both on and off the pitch.”
He added: “This collaboration will allow us to benefit from LALIGA’s extensive expertise in club management, commercial development, brand building and fan engagement. Our ambition is to build a strong and sustainable club, operated to the highest professional standards, that contributes to the continued development of Emirati football and strengthens its growing presence internationally.”
Javier Tebas: Bringing LALIGA’s expertise to United FC
Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA, said: “The management model we have built together with our clubs is one of LALIGA’s greatest assets. Through our Clubs Office, we work every day with the 42 clubs in LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION across areas such as commercial strategy, brand building, content and fan experience.”
He added: “Today, we are bringing that expertise to United FC. The club’s promotion to the UAE Pro League makes this the ideal moment to take this step. Our objective is to help the club develop its own capabilities so that it can compete and grow independently.”
A new chapter for United FC
The partnership comes at a significant stage in United FC’s development, as the club continues to advance its sporting project under first-team head coach Andrea Pirlo while reinforcing the institutional and commercial foundations needed for sustainable growth.
Alongside its first-team ambitions, United FC remains committed to developing its academy and youth teams, identifying emerging players and creating a pathway for future generations. The collaboration with LALIGA supports the club’s wider objective of building a distinctive, competitive and professionally managed organisation with a growing presence in UAE and international football.
About United FC
Founded in 2022 and based in Dubai Sports City, United FC is a professional Emirati football club competing in the UAE Pro League following its historic promotion to the country’s top division. The club is committed to sporting excellence, professional development and sustainable growth, supported by its academy and youth programmes dedicated to identifying and developing promising football talent.
