German giants Bayern Munich have confirmed that they will open an office base in the USA this year.
The Bavarian behemoth will launch their first overseas subsidiary, to run under the moniker of FC Bayern Muenchen LLC, in New York City in April.
Former Bayern goalkeeper Rudolf Vidal has been appointed as the Managing Director of the new company which will be opened months before the Bundesliga champions' visit to the States for the MLS All-Star game this summer.
Colorado-born Vidal will oversee the of growing the FC Bayern brand in North America, developing networks and acquiring new co-operation partners.
Vidal told Bayern's official website: "I'm delighted to be taking on this substantial and exciting assignment on behalf of FC Bayern.
"Together with my co-workers we will tackle the tasks assigned to us rapidly and with great determination. We want to help in consolidating and continuing to develop the club's international reputation."
In addition to the MLS All-Star game at Providence Park in Portland on August 6, the reigning European champions will also play at least one other exhibition match against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in New York.
