2016 International Champions Cup China - BVB VS MCY | 自由微信

2016 International Champions Cup China - BVB VS MCY

2016-06-25 shenzhenparty

Manchester United, who boast one of the biggest fan bases globally and a strong history of support in China, will open the tournament under the glittering lights of Shanghai against Dortmund on July 22nd.

United will then travel to Beijing for what promises to be another land-mark ICC moment – a clash with cross-town rival Manchester City, that will mark the tournament’s first appearance in the Chinese capital.

Manchester City, winners of two of the past four Premier League titles, continue to grow their profile in China through a number of initiatives. Notably, the Club recently announced a partnership with a China Media Capital-led consortium, which owns a minority shareholding in the Club’s parent company, City Football Group.

But on July 25th at the National Stadium, the focus will be firmly on the pitch – when both the Red and Blue half of Manchester take to the field in front of their adoring Chinese followers and under the watching eye of media and fans around the world.

In 2015, ICC China began in booming technology hub Shenzhen, and in 2016 the southern city will close the tournament as Dortmund take-on City on 28th July.

Playing in the first and last match, the German side will have an extended stay in China. Dortmund are famous around the world for the colour and passion of their fans, attracting the highest average home attendance of any club globally. Their growing fan-base in China will look to replicate this passion and scale in the stands in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

While Dortmund will be participating in the ICC for the very first time, 2016 will mark the third consecutive year that the tournament will feature United and City. Both participated in 2014 in the United States, where United lifted the ICC trophy. In 2015, the ‘Red Devils’ returned to North America, while the ‘Citizens’ took on AS Roma and Real Madrid in Melbourne, Australia.

"After the first edition of International Champions Cup China set a high benchmark for fans, clubs and commercial partners, we needed to deliver something extra special for 2016." said David Tyler, CEO of Relevent Sports. "We believe staging the first ever Manchester Derby outside of the United Kingdom in Beijing is certainly special. And Borussia Dortmund, who played a Champions League final most recently in 2013, will be formidable and thrilling opponents for Manchester City and United.”

Patrick Murphy, CEO of Catalyst Media Group said, “ICC China 2015 was great start – with some of the biggest names in football, spectacular goals and sell-out crowds. This year we will deliver three huge clubs each offering star-power, three modern venues in three first-tier cities, and a three-match schedule highlighted by a Manchester Derby that that will be the talk of the nation and a topic of conversation all around the world. Starting from today, with the attendance of legends and executives here in Beijing, our participating clubs are determined to put on a true show for China. China’s ambition to elevate its status in world football is key for the sport globally. Via the ICC China, top international clubs are committed to contributing, through credible, regular and meaningful engagement in-market.”

Lei Zhenjian, CEO of LeSports, said “As an event for the biggest football clubs, ICC China boasts great potential. It has not provided Chinese football fans with a great opportuntity to interact with some of world’s top football clubs, but has become a perfect plaform for LeEco’s ‘sport ecosystem’ to showcase its strengths. This year, LeSports will continue to provide new online and physical viewing experiences for its audiences. We are creating a new benchmark for event deliver in the internet era”

Ed Woodward, Executive Vice Chairman of Manchester United, said, ‘Manchester United has strong historical links with China and we are proud of our relationship and of our fans throughout the country. A total of almost 500,000 supporters have attended previous games during our visit to China and we have always enjoyed exceptional support in the country, so naturally the International Champions Cup China is something everybody is very much looking forward to this summer.”

Omar Berrada, Group Commercial Director of City Football Group, said: “Everyone at Manchester City is delighted to be taking part once again in the ICC and there is a great line-up of matches. We are excited to return to China and to the Bird’s Nest for what promises to be a memorable tournament. I’m sure our fans will create an incredible atmosphere in the Bird’s Nest and in Shenzhen and we are looking forward to connecting with them both on and off the pitch. We are committed to having a long-term presence in China and to developing football across the country. We know our visit in July will form a big part of our continued growth.”

And more...