As stated in a Bloomberg report, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is negotiating with FIFA to become a top sponsor of football’s governing body.

It is expected that Alibaba will become the second Chinese company, following Dalian Wanda, to partner with FIFA. However, the deal hasn’t been finalized and further information has yet to be disclosed.

Bloomberg said that it has been difficult for FIFA to find sponsors since a corruption scandal damaged its reputation last year. In earlier reports, Wanda’s founder Wang Jianlin told media that there would be two more Chinese companies entering FIFA’s sponsorships.

According to the report, it is believed that Alibaba’s recent negotiation with FIFA is due to its affiliation with the Club World Cup. Last year, Alibaba E-Auto announced an eight-year deal with football’s governing body to become the official presenting partner of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Source: Bloomberg

Proofread by Sean O Diobhilin.