Wanda scores as FIFA’s 1st Chinese partner
Print Edition
WANDA Group yesterday became China’s first top-level sponsor for FIFA as world football seeks to renew its scandal-tainted image after the departure of Sepp Blatter.
A FIFA statement said Wanda, owned by Chinese tycoon Wang Jianlin, would have “the highest level of sponsorship rights” for the next four World Cups. It did not give a figure for the sponsorship.
Wang, 61, whose personal fortune is estimated at US$29 billion, already has a stake in Atletico Madrid and owns Infront, one of the biggest sports marketing and media companies, which has FIFA as a client.
FIFA has been struggling to find new top-level sponsors since corruption scandals erupted last year.
Thirty-nine football officials and business executives face charges in the United States over more than US$200 million in bribes paid for football deals.
Long-time football leader Blatter is now fighting a six-year ban for ethical abuses.
Sony and Emirates Airlines quit as top-level sponsors in 2014 and were never immediately replaced.
FIFA on Thursday announced a US$122 million loss for 2015 because of the cost of the scandals.
New FIFA President Gianni Infantino has vowed a new era of transparency and to put the body, which earns about US$5.5 billion every four years between World Cups, back on a sound financial footing.
Under the new deal, Wanda will have sponsorship commercial rights to all FIFA competitions and corporate activities up to and including the 2030 World Cup, said a FIFA statement.
Infantino said: “I believe that the relationship with Wanda will support us to continue the ongoing development and growth of the game in China and all over the world.”
Wang’s interests in sport fit in closely with the desire of China’s President Xi Xinping to step up his country’s sporting power, particularly in football.
“We are highly motivated to promote football across the country and to inspire a new generation of youngsters,” said Wang.
“The Chinese government is committed to this development, and as a company we strongly support these efforts.
“In order to professionally grow the existing grassroots movement into a sustainable and well managed sport, we are delighted to tap into the vast experience of the most competent advisor — FIFA,” Wang said.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
