Chinese under-20 football team to play in German league

The signing ceremony for the participation of the Chinese U20 men's football selection team in regular league operations in Germany is held in Beijing, on August 16, 2017. [Photo: Weibo]

A Chinese under-20 men's football selection team is set to play in the fourth tier of the German football league system next season.

The plan follows a ten-year partnership agreement between China and Germany in football, which was signed in November in 2016 and aimed to boost the development of football in China.

The move comes as part of China's efforts to make preparations for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

There are five regional divisions in the fourth tier of the German football pyramid.

The Chinese team will play as the 20th side in the southwestern division, as only 19 sides have qualified for regional league next season.

According to the plans, the Chinese selection team may face each German club in the division twice during the season.

But the results of these matches would not be included in the league standings.

Media reports say the Chinese team would base themselves near Heidelberg, south of Frankfurt.