Zug, Switzerland, 12 January 2007 - Infront Sports & Media has announced that the development partnership between the Chinese Football Association and Chelsea Football Club will kick off with a visit to Chelsea by the Chinese men’s Olympic football team (“Team China”).

Infront, which brokered the agreement, is the exclusive marketing partner of China’s national football teams. Unusually, its role goes beyond the commercial arena and includes the implementation of a comprehensive technical development plan for the teams.

The partnership with Chelsea will be initiated with a two-week training camp to be held in London in February 2007.  Based on the success of the first training camp, the parties intend to discuss the feasibility of a wider ranging and longer-term strategic partnership.

Team China and Chelsea have developed an extensive programme, which will include fitness and conditioning; medical treatment; match preparation, match strategy and tactics; scouting and specialist coaching for goalkeepers, defenders and attackers. Team China and Chelsea will also play three matches against London-based teams and work on a number of joint PR initiatives during the stay.

CFA General Secretary Mr Xie Yalong said: “The Chinese Football Association believes Chelsea can help develop and deepen the experience and training of the Chinese Olympic squad. Chinese football is at a young stage compared to world football but we wish to advance as much as possible and this partnership arranged by Infront with Chelsea is an important step. The Olympics in China are providing us with the inspiration to learn from the outside world. Chelsea is a top world club with great resources, skills and experience.  We look forward to learning and developing through our contacts together.”

Chelsea’s Business Affairs Director Paul Smith, who is spearheading the club’s international development, said: “China is a key commercial market for us but our policy is to help Chinese football where we can in the process, thus our agreement to co-operate with the CFA and Infront. Inviting Team China here is the first step - we are sure the team will find Chelsea welcoming and the training facilities excellent.

John Kristick, Infront’s Executive Director Asia, said: “This is an important step for Team China, as it will help to raise the level and intensity of their preparations for the Olympic Games. Chelsea is a global brand and offers Team China excellent facilities and the benefit of a world class coaching team, as well as match experience. It’s a major step on the road to Beijing 2008”.

This project is one of the first organised by Infront’s European Competence Centre Asia, a new unit which specialises in developing links between Europe and China through sports marketing activities and sporting contacts.

About Infront’s presence in China
Infront has a strong presence in China, with an office in Beijing and close to 50 experienced sports marketing personnel. It has recently established its European Competence Centre Asia, a “Gateway to Asia” which is specifically designed to encourage European-based companies and sports organisations to access the Chinese market by providing experienced consultancy advice and assistance with implementation. Infront is the marketing partner to China’s two biggest sports – football and basketball – at both League and national team level. Infront recently concluded a partnership with Euroleague basketball covering technical development, match organisation and related marketing initiatives.


For further information, please contact:

Joerg Polzer
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press@infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com