South Korean carmaker Hyundai backs Chinese football

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has agreed a sponsorship package worth almost $6.3 million a year for the next four seasons with South Korean carmaker Hyundai.

The sponsorship which would deliver an additional $6.3 million should China advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was described by CFA Vice Chairman Wei Di as "the beginning of a new" adding "we will work together to improve the game and our national team's performances."

The CFA has three other strategic partners, including leading sportswear company adidas, but this sponsorship surpasses the previous ones and makes Hyundai the biggest benefactor of Chinese football.

According to the contract, the sides will co-operate for at least four years before deciding whether to extend the partnership.

China fell out of qualifying for the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup at in the group stage, failing to add to the country's only World Cup attendance at the 2002 event in Japan and South Korea.

On the back of the sponsorship, the Chinese national team announced its seven home stadiums for its games over the next four years.

The venues are Beijing Workers' Stadium, Shanghai Hongkou Stadium, Tianjin Olympic Sports Centre, Wuhan Sports Centre, Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre, Changsha Helong Stadium and Shaanxi Sports Centre.

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