China Central Television (CCTV) has acquired all media rights to broadcast FIFA events for the period 2018-2022 in the Chinese mainland, the Chinese network announced on Wednesday.

Under the terms of the new agreement, CCTV, which started to host broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup in 1978, will be awarded the exclusive media rights to all FIFA events over the next five years, including the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, the 2021 Confederations Cup and other tournaments.

“Our new deal is expected to be helpful for China’s soccer reform plan, aiming to make soccer become an important part of Chinese Dream,” said CCTV's Deputy Editor-in-Chief Peng Jianming. “The partnership shows our support for FIFA as well as our efforts to help raise the level of Chinese soccer.”

According to media reports, the two parties will hold an official news conference on November 8 in Beijing.

Source: Yutang Sports

Proofread by William Logsdon