Fifa World Cup 2018: Chinese group gains lucrative commercial rights for football in Asia
Asian Football Confederation says commercial deal with Wuhan-based DDMC Sports will play a major role in improving the standard of the sport
China may be some way from the upper tier of Asian football, but senior officials believe the country’s financial muscle can play a major role in further improving the game in the region after a Chinese group was granted the Asian Football Confederation’s lucrative commercial rights.
Wuhan-based DDMC Sports, in conjunction with Swiss company Fortis Sports, have been awarded the AFC’s commercial rights for the eight years from 2021 to 2028 after a decision taken by the body’s executive committee in Moscow this week.
The winning bid – the value of which the AFC has not disclosed – came at the end of a tender process for the confederation’s rights. Officials believe the decision to work with the Chinese company can play a major role in improving the standard of the sport across the continent.
“To do anything in football you need money,” said a senior AFC executive, who requested anonymity.
“Asia needs more development of our football income and it’s reasonable to go with a company that brings in that money.