Yutang Weekly (2016.2.22-2.28)

ZTE sponsors Sevilla FC

Chinese telecommunications company ZTE on Sunday announced it has signed a sponsorship deal with top Spanish football team, Sevilla Football Club to serve as the club's Official Technological Partner and smartphone provider.

CFA to establish Chinese Professional Football League

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has reportedly decided to establish a new official organization to regulate the professional soccer leagues in China, according to various Chinese reports.

Liverpool hoping for £90m Anfield main stand sponsorship from Chinese firms
Liverpool are looking to the cash-rich Chinese market for a potential buyer of the naming rights to Anfield's new main stand, valued up to £90m a season by the Reds.The club's chief commercial officer Billy Hogan has reportedly travelled to China to meet firms interested in having their branding on the expanded main stand, which is due to open at the start of next season and will boost Anfield's capacity by just under 9,000 to 54,000.

China to launch Bird’s Nest Cup

The National Stadium, Beijing Beiao and Inter Sports have signed a partnership deal to jointly promote the upcoming “Bird’s Nest Cup”, to turn it into a top international football tournament. Under this deal, Inter Sports, in partnership with the other two companies, will launch an investment project to support the event from 2017 to 2026.

Le Sports secures global broadcast rights for CSL

Le Sports, the sports unit of China’s leading online streaming company LeEco, announced a wide-ranging strategic partnership with Ti’ao Power at a press conference, “BigBang” held today in Beijing.

Juventus launch on WeChat

Italian Serie A side Juventus Football Club have taken a further step in the ongoing expansion of their digital reach by announcing the launch of an official profile on WeChat, the largest and fastest growing social messaging service in China provided by Chinese internet giant Tencent.

Ali Sports hires Han Lifeng as vice president

Ali Sports, the sports arm of Chinese commercial giants Alibaba Group, has appointed Han Lifeng a Vice President. He will also become Managing Director of its venue management department, according to a source close to the company.

China ends state control of football

The Chinese government has relinquished all control over the country’s football association, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday February 24, under a plan to overhaul the sport and boost the performance of its struggling teams.