FIFA has signed a partnership with Wanda Group, world soccer’s governing body said Friday.

    As the first Chinese company to sign up as a FIFA partner, Wanda would have “the highest level of sponsorship rights” for the next four World Cups. It did not give a figure for the sponsorship.

    “I believe that the relationship with Wanda will support us to continue the ongoing development and growth of the game in China and all over the world,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

    Wanda, founded by Wang Jianlin, has its origins in commercial property but is diversifying into areas ranging from entertainment to e-commerce.

    Wang, 61, whose personal fortune is estimated at about US$29 billion, already has a stake in Atletico Madrid and owns Infront, one of the biggest sports marketing and media companies, which has FIFA as a client.

    The world soccer body has been struggling to find new top level sponsors since corruption scandals erupted last year.

    Thirty-nine soccer officials and business executives face charges in the United States over more than US$200 million in bribes paid for soccer deals. Sony and Emirates Airlines quit as top level FIFA sponsors in 2014 and were never immediately replaced.

    Infantino has vowed a new era of transparency and to put the body, which earns about US$5.5 billion dollars in every four years between World Cups, back on a sound financial footing.

    Under the new deal, Wanda Group will have sponsorship commercial rights to all FIFA competitions and corporate activities up to and including the 2030 World Cup, said a FIFA statement.

    There has been talk of a Chinese bid for the 2026 World Cup.

    “We are highly motivated to promote soccer across the country and to inspire a new generation of youngsters,” said Wang.

    Wanda promised to get involved in “grassroots soccer development” in China and Asia. (SD-Agencies)