French Supercup Could Take Place in China

By: Inara | May 23rd, 2007

We know that Juninho likes Asia. It turns out the FFF do too!

This summer’s French Supercup, otherwise known as the Trophée des Champions, may take place somewhere in China.

The Supercup, which takes place right before the season begins, features this year’s domestic champion (Lyon) against the winner of the French Cup (Sochaux).

Lyon have won the last five Supercups.

Since both teams will be in Asia at the time (Lyon will be competing in the Peace Cup in Korea while Sochaux will be in summer training in China), the French Football Federation has decided to study the incoming proposal from China about holding the traditional season opener abroad.

If the bid is accepted, the Supercup may take place either in Wuhan or in Tianjin, with an expected crowd of 60,000+, and with a television audience that may reach up to 250,000 million.

The goal is to expand the appeal of French football into the Asian market. All other leagues have fanbases in Asia, so the FFF feels the need to address that. And what better way than to have a match between two of France’s best teams? This bid also coincides with a possible partnership between Lyon and Changchun Yatai, a Chinese superleague team.

At the very least, Lyon will sell some more shirts. And maybe next year, the League Cup final could take place in Las Vegas.

Category: French Cups (CdL, CdF, TdC), Team News and Rumors

Tags: CdF, French Cups (CdL, TdC), Team News and Rumors

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Comments  

• Bob |  May 23rd, 2007 at 1:23 pm

  
  
  

  What will they outsource next to China?

  Posted from United States

  

• Chris |  May 23rd, 2007 at 4:44 pm

  
  
  

  250,000 million?!?! Holy crap that’s a lot of people.

  I might agree with the UEFA Super Cup being played abroad, but a cup between two teams from the same country should be played at home.

  Posted from United States

  

• Inara |  May 24th, 2007 at 5:12 am

  
  
  

  I thought it was weird at first too, having two French teams play in China, especially since very few of the fans will be able to make the journey. But apparently Italy once had their Supercup in Africa, so there is a precedent, as weird as it is.

  This is a financial move on the FFF’s part – and I’m sure Lyon encouraged it as well, since they have been steadily increasing their Asian fanbase, with plans to have a Chinese version of their website soon.

  Posted from United States

  

• Corey |  May 24th, 2007 at 8:36 am

  
  
  

  Off topic, but Briand got called up to the France squad today. I guess I was right, he has potential and Lyon should look in to him.

  Posted from United States

  

• Chris |  May 24th, 2007 at 10:59 am

  
  
  

  Damn Italians, always doing stupid stuff.

  Posted from United States

  

Comments are closed