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Chelsea and the Asian Football Confederation have signed a four-year agreement in order to help Chinese football develop at all levels.
At a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, the chief executive of the English champions Peter Kenyon told reporters that the deal was significant for both Asia and Chelsea.
"Chelsea's vision is, by 2014, to be internationally recognised as the number one club," he said.
"And that cannot be achieved without serious participation in Asia. This is a long-term project and we are not going to see immediate returns."
Chelsea will help train the best of China’s young talent in London and the Middle Kingdom.
"I must stress that this is not a business contract but a development programme,"said AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam who welcomed Chel,sea’s approach to the continent.
"Chelsea is the first overseas club to approach us with the philosophy of giving, and not taking. Any support that provides a platform for greater success in Asian football is a good thing."
"At the moment, only Japan has a proper infrastructure in Asia," Hammam continued.
"Some countries are not far behind while others have a long way to go. We hope Chelsea can help us with the expertise to improve the way clubs and leagues work in Asia."
Goal.com