Wanda Group has become the first Chinese company to partner with FIFA after agreeing to a long-term sponsorship deal till 2030, the world football governing body said in a statement on Friday.

“We are pleased to welcome the Wanda Group to FIFA.

“This is a company that has a long affiliation with football and has been an active supporter of the game for many years.

“The company also shares our enthusiasm to develop and strengthen football.

“Securing a high-profile sponsorship deal is a boost for FIFA a day after it announced a loss of 122 million dollars for the last business year, the first annual loss in 13 years,’’ FIFA president Gianni Infantino said