Port Adelaide to play AFL match in China

Port Adelaide has taken a major step toward growing Australian rules football overseas after announcing plans to play an AFL match in China.

The Power, along with league chiefs, have signed a memorandum of understanding with the club's new Chinese sponsor, Shanghau Cred RealEstate, to contest a home and away match in China in 2017.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

According to a statement on Port Adelaide's website, the memorandum "will see all parties endeavour to stage a match in China next year, and to support China Central Television (CCTV) in broadcasting AFL coverage in China and the Power’s Chinese social media accounts".

“Today is a day that has been the culmination of a lot of hard work and to be honest, a day that many thought would never happen,” Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said in Shanghai.

“I’m incredibly proud to have a signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club that ensures we will do everything possible to play a game for premiership points here in Shanghai as early as next season.

“Only last week we announced a landmark partnership with CCTV to broadcast three Port Adelaide game into China, along with a 25-week documentary series. We see today’s announcement as another important step in bringing the people of Australia and China together through a mutual passion for sport.

“Our partnership with CCTV is more than just entertainment; it is about understanding. Through our regular AFL programs on CCTV, the viewers in China will see more of Australia and learn more about our culture and Australian life.”