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Chelsea announce US alliance with AEG
Wednesday, Mar 29, 2006Chelsea Football Club announced today (Wednesday) a unique long-term commitment to soccer in the United States.
Chelsea FC chief executive Peter Kenyon revealed at the World Sports Congress in New York that England's Premier League champions are to enter into a major strategic alliance with AEG, the operators of four teams in Major League Soccer, and stadium developers including The Home Depot Center in Los Angeles and venues currently under construction in Bridgeview, Illinois and Harrison, New Jersey.
The partnership between Chelsea FC and AEG is the first of its kind by a top European club with one of the leading forces in United States soccer. The relationship will begin in the summer of 2007 with the staging of a tournament, which will take place every two years, involving Chelsea and a host MLS club.
But the alliance with AEG will also include a club to club relationship between Chelsea and MLS champions LA Galaxy, an agreement to enhance and market the Chelsea brand in the US and promotion of grass roots football activity.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: “Chelsea is absolutely delighted to be partnering with AEG, the leading backer of soccer in the US.
“This is a unique, ground-breaking relationship that not only demonstrates our commitment to the development of US soccer, but will also help Chelsea work towards its aim of becoming the most popular European club in the US, one of our key target markets.
“Chelsea only partners with global leaders in their respective fields and AEG is one of those. With its involvement in US soccer and its expertise in sports, entertainment and stadia ownership, AEG were the logical choice for Chelsea.”
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