SHANGHAI, Oct 30, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Chinese electronics manufacturer Hisense 
deepened its relationship with FIFA on Wednesday as it became the first 
official sponsor of the controversial 2025 Club World Cup.

The expanded tournament in the United States has come under fire for the 
extra workload it will place on players and football's governing body is yet 
to announce any broadcast deals.

The last edition of the Club World Cup featured seven teams but the new 
version will be considerably bigger with 32 sides including Real Madrid, 
Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

FIFA said in a statement that the tie-up with Hisense "paves the way for 
further sponsorship deals for FIFA's new flagship club competition to be 
announced in the coming weeks".

Speaking in Shanghai, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "Hisense's 
commitment to innovation and technology aligns with our vision for this 
tournament, which will bring together the 32 best teams from around the world 
for an unforgettable celebration of our game that will revolutionise club 
football."

Hisense became a sponsor of the World Cup ahead of the tournament in 2018 in 
Russia.

Infantino recently announced that Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will kick off 
the club competition at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, 
on June 15.

The participation of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is a much-needed boost 
to the profile of the new-look tournament.

FIFA hopes the competition will capture the imagination of global television 
audiences as well as fans in the United States ahead of the World Cup in 
2026.

FIFA plan to hold the expanded tournament every four years.