Premier League secures China football deal

The UK government has helped the English Premier League (EPL) secure an agreement with the Chinese Super League (CSL) to build up football at an elite, youth and community level in China.

The new partnership will be signed today (2 December) in Beijing by Culture Secretary Maria Miller and former England and Chelsea footballer Graeme Le Saux. The deal will be announced as part of the UK government's trade mission to China, led by Prime Minister David Cameron, which takes place this week.

The deal will see EPL working with CSL and the China Football Association on programmes and projects to promote and develop football in China.

CSL will also provide support and advice in the promotion and marketing of EPL and its clubs in China.

The Chinese market has been targeted by many of the European elite football leagues due to its potential growth prospects.

According to EPL figures, the East Asian market already is currently worth around £200m a year to the league and to UK trade.