MADRID: The Spanish football federation has confirmed that five of the next seven editions of the Spanish Supercup will be played in China.

The RFEF, whose president is senior FIFA and UEFA director Angel Maria Villar, has contracted with Vansen International Sport to head East with the season curtain-raiser which matches the winners of the previous season’s league and cup. In the past the tie has usually been staged home and away over two legs.

The agreement is worth €39m and the first final to be played in China is expected to be in 2013. Chinese fans will hope for repeat of the 2012 version between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

This is the latest initiative taken by the Spanish football authorities to open up markets in Asia and follows the decision taken this season to play one game in the La Liga at midday on Sunday to coincide with prime-time television time in Asia.

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