CMG signs MOU on cooperation with Italian Football Association

China’s national broadcaster China Media Group(CMG) has signed an MOU with the Italian Football Association to promote the sport and the spread of football culture between the two countries.

Italian Serie A League competitions will be a regular feature on Chinese television over the next three years, according to the MOU signed by CMG President Shen Haixiong and President of the Italian Football Association Gabriele Gravina in Rome on Sunday.

President of China Media Group Shen Haixiong (R) and President of the Italian Football Association Gabriele Gravina shake hands at a signing ceremony in Rome on March 24, 2019. [Photo: CMG]

The two sides will also work together to offer training courses to footballers, managers and schools, organize friendly matches between the national teams of the two countries, cooperate in digitalization and product development, and facilitate communication between fans and players of the two countries.

Gravina hailed the agreement signed after the successful visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Italy as “historic and significant” and said they hope to take this opportunity to actively bring China and Italy closer to each other.

Shen Haixiong said at the signing ceremony that cooperation in the field of football will open up new opportunities for more bilateral exchanges in culture and sports. He said that CMG would fully support international cooperation in the Chinese football industry and make football a driving force for the development of Sino-Italian relations.