LALIGA and CFL sign a collaboration agreement until 2029 to promote professional football development in China

LALIGA and CFL (Chinese Professional Football League) have announced the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between the two organisations for the development of Chinese professional football over the next four years. Both entities will work closely together to exchange knowledge between clubs and competitions in different sporting and business areas.

 

The signing ceremony took place in Beijing as part of a visit by Mr. Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA, to China. In addition to the president, the LALIGA delegation was led by Mr. Javier Gómez, General Corporate Manager of LALIGA; and Mr. Sergi Torrents, Managing Director of LALIGA Greater China. CFL was represented by its President, Ms. Li Keming. along with other council members who attended the signing ceremony.

 

This agreement will be the first cooperation agreement signed by the CFL with a top European football league since its establishment. The agreement, which will run until 2029, includes different areas of collaboration with a focus on strategic consulting for the development of the CFL and also its youth categories. Both organisations are committed to open an institutional communication channel to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between clubs. In addition, LALIGA will offer training programmes to Chinese clubs in different areas, such as grassroots football, economic control, audiovisual, marketing, internationalisation and business. The agreement also foresees the organisation of youth football tournaments and training and education stages for the lower categories. Moreover, the agreement consents to appoint the President of LALIGA as CFL's Strategic Consultant.

 

In addition to the signing of the agreement, the LALIGA delegation participated in the Senior Seminar for the Sustainable Development of Professional Football Clubs in China, a specialised training course organised by CFL (Chinese Professional Football Association) for Chinese clubs, which aimed to promote their sustainable and professional development and explore new ways for the development of Chinese professional football competitions and clubs. The course was attended by national experts such as representatives from CCTV, invited leaders, Chinese football managers and foreign guests from FIFA and different European leagues and clubs. From LALIGA, the president Javier Tebas gave the presentation "The sustainability of the

football industry: LALIGA's practices in the fight against piracy" and the Corporate General Manager Javier Gómez presented "Introduction to LALIGA's Financial Fair Play regulations".

 

"This agreement marks a milestone in the close relationship we have had with Chinese football for many years. China was one of our first offices and has been a strategic market ever since. The work with the Chinese authorities in recent years has been particularly fruitful and this agreement formalises the work and commitment of both entities to further the sustainable development of Chinese professional football. The country's football potential is enormous, and we believe that LALIGA's experience can provide valuable knowledge exchange that clubs in both countries will be able to take advantage of to strengthen their growth," said Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA.

 

"In this collaboration, we not only look forward to enhancing our exchanges with LALIGA in areas such as league operations, commercial development, and fan culture cultivation, but also aim to jointly explore new models for the development of professional football in China. These models should respect the fundamental principles of football, incorporate local characteristics, and ultimately achieve healthy and sustainable growth for both the league and the clubs." Said Li Kemin, President of the Chinese Professional Football League.