Serie A executives are reportedly in talks with China’s main state broadcaster to hold a League match in the country.
According to the Financial Times, the plans – which could be announced as early as this weekend – include China hosting a Serie A game ‘in the next three years’ and friendlies between the two nations.
Serie A executives are reportedly in talks with China’s main state broadcaster to hold a League match in the country.
According to the Financial Times, the plans – which could be announced as early as this weekend – include China hosting a Serie A game ‘in the next three years’ and friendlies between the two nations.
“Under the football agreement, the Italian federation will propose a multi-year agreement to provide assistance to Chinese companies looking to invest in Italy’s Serie A clubs and will supply multimedia content for Chinese media channels, as well as offering training and other exchanges of expertise to Chinese football,” adds the publication.
It comes as part of a state visit by China President Xi Jinping to strengthen economic and cultural ties between his country and Italy.
Unlike in Spain, where La Liga and its football association were at loggerheads over a match being played in the USA, FT explains the FIGC is also involved in negotiations.
However, the plans would need approval from the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA, whose President Gianni Infantino stated in October that League games ‘must be played’ on home soil.
Chinese influence in Italian football is growing as the Asian nation has hosted four Supercoppas and Inter are owned by Suning Group.