(London, New York, Beijing, March 4, 2013) David Beckham is to make history by becoming the first global ambassador for Chinese Football. He will visit China in 2013 with his new role to help promote Chinese football domestically and globally. He has received the invitation from the Chinese Football Association, the first ever honor of its kind bestowed on an International sportsman in the country. Beckham’s Chinese football debut will be another influential role after his special ambassadorship for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“I am honored to have been asked to play such an important role at this special time in Chinese football history,” Beckham said. “I’m excited by the prospect of promoting the world’s greatest game to Chinese sports fans as I’ve seen firsthand the growing interest in football there. This is a wonderful sport that inspires people across the world and brings families together, so I’m relishing the opportunity of introducing more fans to the game.”
CFA, the governing body of football in China, hopes to realize its goal of further promoting the world’s greatest game to over 1.3 billion people in the country and inspiring young children to play the game by relying on Beckham’s credibility as one of the most admired sportsman and iconic figure in the world as well as his outstanding sportsmanship and professionalism. Beckham’s own story and his growing role as the spokesperson of sport have made him the perfect candidate to the CFA.
Meanwhile, with the rapid growth of the Chinese Super League, the country’s Championship league in the past two years, it is believed Beckham’s China tour will further popularize the game in the country as well as bringing Chinese football and the CSL to the world stage.
“2013 marks the 20th anniversary of professional football game in China and the special ambassadorship of David Beckham will attract global attention to Chinese football and the CSL,” said a CFA official. “We are pleased to invite Mr. Beckham to visit China at this special moment. While in China, he will attend the CSL and visit Clubs to get a deeper insight into football in China. He will also help us to inspire and motivate as many children to participate in this beautiful game.”
The 2013 Season of the Chinese Super League will kick-off on March 8th and Beckham’s support will bring increased national attention to the county’s Championship League. Chinese football fans are eagerly anticipating the new season and the presence of David Beckham.
Simon Fuller, David Beckham’s business partner commented, “With David being invited by the Chinese FA to become an ambassador for the game he loves so much, it really underlines the scale and reach of his global popularity. This is the start of a new chapter in the David Beckham story, and I’m absolutely delighted for him. I’m certain that he will enjoy his China adventure.”
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