English champions Chelsea agreed on Tuesday to give their exclusive backing to an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) project to develop grassroots football in China.Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam signed a memorandum of understanding that will result in the London club providing technical and financial assistance to the Vision China development program.
"It's an historic moment because this is the first time a club came to us and said 'take' and did not take from us," Bin Hammam told reporters.
"This is what we appreciate."
Kenyon, who has identified China and North America as Chelsea's key markets outside England, said it was the start of a "long-term relationship."
Vision China is part of a broader Vision Asia program, under which AFC teams go into cities and provide training and advice to build up local leagues.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2006-04/26/content_577074.htm