China’s soccer club names Luis Figo as Honorary President

China League One side Inner Mongolia Zhongyou FC has appointed former Real Madrid legend Luis Figo as their club’s Honorary President after striking a strategic partnership with Winning League on January 27.

The Portuguese will be responsible for the club’s foreign affairs under the agreement.

Figo, who hasset up a soccer academy with Winning League, said “Chinese soccer has entered a periodof rapid growth and it needs more teenagers to participate.”

“Compared to European countries, China is lacking at various levels in regard to youth soccer leagues, (so) a complete league system needs to be built soon.”

RenXuandong, an official at Inner Mongolia Zhongyou, said “Winning League, as a professional domestic service provider of soccer training, will take part in the club’s branding, marketing, transfer activity and international co-operation following the signing of thispartnership.”

Inner Mongolia Zhongyou FC is a professional soccer club based in northern China and is currently in China’s second tier soccer league. The club is soon to begin their preseason training in Portugal.

Source: Xinhua

Proofread by John Devlin.