World football governing body FIFA announced an agreement on March 18, having China’s conglomerate Wanda Group to become the organization’s first Chinese top-tier partner. It is the first major deal since new FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s stepping up, and the first since the scandals that swallowed up the organization.
Wanda Group operates in a number of sectors across China and abroad, including property, retail, sport, hotels, film and stores. As part of the agreement with FIFA, Wanda Group will have rights to all FIFA competitions and corporate activities up to and including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The financial size of the partnership has not been revealed yet. The increasing awareness and participation in sports has become a key focus for the Wanda Group over recent years.
“I believe that the relationship with Wanda will support us to continue the on-going development and growth of the game in China and all over the world,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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