The collaboration initiated by FIFA partner Dalian Wanda Group will initially last three years and aim to promote football in the People’s Republic of China, with a focus on research, test procedures and the development of standards for new technologies, especially for youth and children’s football.
With the agreement, the Wanda Group and Dalian Pro reaffirm their commitment to the next generation of players and fans in China. Thanks to the collaboration with Dalian Pro, FIFA will have access to the new Wanda Academy in Dalian, where new technologies and innovations in football will be tested with Dalian Pro players of all ages. Dalian Pro and FIFA are also planning joint innovation days where stakeholders can regularly present and test the latest developments in football technology.
Rafa Benítez, Dalian Pro head coach said:
“Working with FIFA is very important to us. As a trainer, you have to ensure access to the latest technology. Both Dalian Pro and FIFA benefit from participating in this project, as they can develop and apply new technologies with the help of our players and our academy. Thanks to the access to the latest software, we will support our players better and hopefully shape future national players in our academy. “
Lincoln Zhang, President of Dalian Pro and Wanda Real Estate Group, said:
“The collaboration between FIFA and Dalian Pro is an example of how the Wanda Group can promote sport in China through its numerous football partnerships. I am really looking forward to the cooperation and the many interesting innovations and technologies that the new center in Dalian will produce for football. “
Mattias Grafström, Deputy Secretary General (Football), emphasized:
“FIFA is convinced that football in China has a great future that is even closer thanks to teams like Dalian Pro. Like us, Dalian Pro strives to use technology to improve football at all levels. The merger between the ultra-modern Dalian Pro Academy and a regional innovation center in China offers all football stakeholders great potential and the opportunity to venture into a new dimension. “
For the innovation center, FIFA and Dalian Pro are currently working on a pilot project for a new athlete management system. Further projects are planned for the coming months.
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