Germany and China on Friday signed an agreement for a football partnership between the two countries. The goal of the partnership, which will initially run for five years, is to achieve an ongoing exchange of ideas and experience between the two countries. The agreement is the outcome of earlier talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese President Xi Jinping. One day after the signing of a Sino-German football partnership agreement, representatives of both countries’ clubs and associations met for discussions. The meeting revolved around issues such as the training of players, coaches and referees, and collaboration at club level (Bundesliga). In London, Murad Ahmed reported that though "few firm details have been revealed, the new football treaty includes provisions for German players, coaches and referees to provide guidance to their Chinese counterparts." In return for German expertise, the European nation’s football execs will “gain better access to the corresponding decision makers” in China. This could help chiefs at the Bundesliga, who are "looking to sell the broadcasting rights to its matches in the Asian country" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 11/25).
