Soccer big names to play in China this summer

Lei Zhenjian, CEO of Letv Sports (left), and Fei Shusheng, chairman of Guangzhou South Activity Planning Co Ltd, show the authorization certificate, which certifies the Guangzhou company as the tournament's branding and marketing partner in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Lei Zhenjian, CEO of Letv Sports, says bringing the prestigious tournament to China marks an expansion into a new field for the Internet and technology company.

"ICC China marks Letv Sports' expansion into sporting events operations and promotion. The move demonstrates our commitment to developing the Letv Sports ecosystem by not only providing unique and innovative content via PC, mobile devices and smart TV, but also bringing world class sporting events to Chinese sports fans."

Letv Sports will deliver live broadcasting of all three matches and off-court promotion activities on its streaming website and mobile apps.

Luis Fernandez, an executive from Real Madrid's Beijing office, retired AC Milan legend Franco Baresi and Javier Zanetti, retired former Internazionale Milano captain also attended the launching ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday.

"We will take this tournament as a great opportunity to give back the support from Chinese fans with a series of fan-engaging activities and opportunities to interact with the stars up close," Fernandez said through translator.

Fernandez pledged that the Spanish league giant will send its full roster including all the stars to play serious games in China.