Ooh, Ahh - Cantona launches football tours operator

Looking FC takes its name from the Looking For documentary series produced by Cantona and his brothers, with Cantona designing each four-day trip. In the lead up to the game, the trips feature experiences such as fan chant workshops, street art walks with historians and tactics briefings with leading journalists.

Cantona said: “If you are a Manchester United fan, watching a game at Old Trafford is a dream. But that’s only one part of the story - have you heard of FC United and what they stand for? Do you know the chants of Stretford End? Beyond its artistic beauty, do you know the significance of the Marcus Rashford mural to the local community? 

“This is the essence of football, whether you are in Liverpool, Buenos Aires, or Casablanca. These trips are for those who still believe in passion and want to go deeper into their love of football.”

The venture is a partnership with Abu Dhabi-based travel start-up Dharma, an Abta member. Looking FC displays the Abta logo and Abta number attributed to Seek Dharma Ltd, registered to a flat in west London. Abta’s website lists Looking FC as a trading name of Seek Dharma.

A Looking FC spokesperson said: "The trips are protected by Dharma which is the principal and owner of the Looking FC brand."

Prices start from €1,290pp based on two sharing, including accommodation, experiences, most meals, guides and match tickets.

Looking FC will feature games at Manchester United, Buenos Aires’ Boca Juniors, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris’s PSG, Sporting Lisbon and Casablanca’s Raja.

Fixtures include Liverpool v Manchester United, Real Madrid v Barcelona and PSG v Marseille. Each itinerary is designed for groups but is also bookable privately for friends and families.

One per cent of revenue will be donated to UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Initiative. Looking FC said each trip was “built with an emphasis on supporting local businesses” and all trips are carbon offset through Thrust Carbon.