The English Premier League football club Manchester City, in partnership with a group of owners of NRL side the Melbourne Storm, have acquired A-League franchise the Melbourne Heart.
The new ownership group says it won't be making any major announcements until mid-2014, out of respect for the coaching staff and players.
The takeover is believed to be worth around $11 million, giving City a controlling share of 80 per cent and minority shareholders the Storm a 20 per cent stake.
City's investment follows last year's establishment of the New York City Football Club, which will enter the Major League Soccer competition in 2015.