Chelsea signs five-year Far East deal

Chelsea’s bid to attract fans in the Far East has taken another step forward after the club signed a five-year partnership deal with the International Football Arena (IFA).

The IFA holds an annual symposium of leading figures from the sport and in 2007 will hold the event in Beijing.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: “The IFA is the leading independent international forum of the football industry. Over the last few years it has established itself as the foremost debating arena for the major issues and developments in football.

“I am delighted that Chelsea will become an official partner and promoter of the event with the IFA now looking to take its unique format into new areas, starting with China.”

China is viewed by Chelsea as having huge potential and the club have already offered the Chinese Olympic team training facilities in London.