FMMInternational's China report updated

December 2005, London

Following on from the successful report 'Football in China' published in September 2003 by SportBusiness Group, FMMInternational announce the publication of the 'Football in China Update', a report covering the key changes and developments in the Chinese football industry since the first definitive report. The report is available free to FMMInternational clients and those who purchased the original report.

Please contact us on info@fmminternational.com for further information.

AC Milan leaves India on a high

November 2005, Kolkata, India

After losing in Kolkata, AC Milan U18's restored their pride in a hard-fought 2-1 win over India in Mumbai. The mini-tour, proposed by FMMI to Dr Andrea Bonardi of the Indo-Italian Chamber, was the centre-piece of Festa-Italiana the annual festival to promote trade between India and Italy.

"Andrea was immediately enthusiastic," said FMMI's Nigel Empson, "and we have worked hard together over the subsequent months to make it happen. Festa showcases the best of Italy and AC Milan is a world-class team with a global following. It's fitting that they should represent Italy in India, a country with one sixth of the world's population, an economy growing at a rate second only to that of China and with a rapidly developing interest in football."

FMMInternational forms partnerships in two markets

October 2005, Mumbai and Amsterdam

FMMI have formalised two key partnerships. Dutch based S4S will work with FMMI on a series of consultancy projects in developing football markets, while a tie-up with HighLife Management increases FMMI's ability to source sponsors for a broad range of projects in the Indian market.

FMMI's Dan Fletcher explained the rationale behind the moves: "These partnerships add capabilities in key areas that strengthen our offering, and those of our partners: there is clear synergy and mutual interest, and most importantly, tangible benefits for our respective clients."

German Giants sign with SportsCn

September 2005, Munich

The official Chinese language site of FC Bayern Munich is launched by SportsCn with a dual-location press-conference in Beijing and Munich. The deal is the latest facilitated by FMMI as Bayern join AS Roma and PSV Eindhoven in the SportsCn Sports Park project.

Speaking from Beijing, FMMI's Dan Fletcher said, "We are delighted to have secured a club of the stature of FC Bayern Munich to join the SportsCn Sportspark project."

Stefan Mennerich, Director of Media at Bayern Munich said, "FMMInternational provided an excellent service enabling the successful launch of FC Bayern's Chinese web site."

Chinese player in Italy

September 2005, Perugia, Italy

Chinese youngster Li Zhong Hao will continue his placement with the Italian Football Academy, arranged by FMMI, for a second year. Li, who hopes that the professional football coaching he's receiving in Italy will help him to a career in the game, has done well and earned the praise of both the Italian coaching staff and of his mentor, FMMI's Richard Li.

FMMInternational help Chinese television

August 2005, Macao

FMMI assisted CCTV5, Shenzhen Jianlibao and FC Barcelona in the exhibition match played in Macau between the Chinese champions and the Spanish giants. FMMI's Richard Li undertook exclusive interviews for CCTV5 with Ronaldinho, Puyol and Messi, and with FMMI colleagues ensured that all sides made the most of the opportunity.

FMMI's Richard Li was a guest on CCTV5's 'Total Soccer', a show that attracts an audience of 100 million, to discuss Arsenal particularly, and English football clubs and players more generally. This followed consultancy work provided by FMMI to CCTV5 in the area of 'audience reward schemes'.

Juventus reaches out to Chinese fans

July 2005, Beijing

Italian giants Juventus today launch their Chinese language website, becoming part of SportsCn's growing Sportspark project. The deal, put together by FMMI, represents the fourth major European club signing to the company.

"Again, we have signed an elite club for our partners SportsCn, Juventus is a great club and this move will generate excitement among their legions of Chinese fans," said FMMI's Dan Fletcher.

New partners in China

July 2005, Shenzhen

FMMI and Shenzhen based China Tex, one of China's leading manufacturers of replica football kits and associated leisurewear, have signed an Agreement whereby FMMI will be the company's agents in sourcing Europe related business opportunities. The agreement further strengthens FMMI's merchandising capabilities in China for European football brands.

FMMInternational to represent Rugby Union coach

July 2005, Mumbai

Willie Hetaraka, the India national coach, has appointed FMMI as his agent. The New Zealand Maori has taken Indian rugby by storm and turned a consecutive losing streak of fifty matches into a record under his stewardship of three wins and one defeat in recent matches.

FMMInternational works with Chinese national broadcaster

June 2005, Beijing

Working for CCTV, FMMI acted as a liaison between China's national state broadcaster and eight major European football clubs for a series of programmes being shown on CCTV this summer. The show saw Chinese fans test their knowledge of Europe's elite in a contest featuring club-related prizes.

Official Chinese web sites of Italian giant launched

May 2005, Shanghai

SportsCn launched the official Chinese language web site for AS Roma. Andrea Caloro, AS Roma Marketing Director, agreed, "FMMI have given AS Roma new awareness of the Chinese market, setting up partnership opportunities and generating significant new revenues for us."

The deal was negotiated by FMMI and will see the Italian side join PSV Eindhoven in the SportsCn portfolio.

Chinese player moves to Australian league

May 2005, Auckland

Zhang Xiaobin, the FMMI managed Chinese soccer prodigy, has signed for the New Zealand Knights and will play in the Australian Hyundai A-League. The former Stockport County midfielder has signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year.

Live European matches shown on line in China!

April 2005, Shanghai

SportsCn began broadband coverage of live European football league matches for the first time in China. The rights to eleven leagues were acquired on behalf of the Chinese Internet giants by FMMI, and include those in, England, Germany, Portugal, Brazil, Scandinavia and Italy.

Dutch club Chinese web site launched

March 2005, Beijing

The official Chinese language web site of PSV Eindhoven was launched by SportsCn and forms a key foundation for the clubs China strategy. The deal, negotiated by FMMI, sees the club launch a comprehensive Chinese language website that will be promoted to Chinese fans through Sportscn.com, one of the top-five traffic websites in world sports.