Going global: England matches and FA Cup ties to be streamed LIVE on new Mandarin site for Chinese fans

By Andy James

PUBLISHED: 12:40 EST, 8 April 2013 | UPDATED: 12:40 EST, 8 April 2013

The Football Association has announced plans to stream live England internationals and FA Cup matches on a new Mandarin version of their website.

The website, which will go live at the weekend to coincide with the two FA Cup semi-finals, will offer people in China access to news, highlights, and player interviews regarding the England team and the biggest domestic cup competition in England.

The FA is also planning to stream live matches on the site, starting from next season.

Audience: England international matches will be streamed on the FA's new Mandarin site

Magical: FA Cup matches will also be available on the Mandarin site

In addition, it will open an account on China-based social media platforms Weibo and Sina in the hope of boosting the number of Chinese interested in the English game.

Sean McAuliffe, the FA’s global head of business said: 'Our key intention is to increase interaction with fans of the England team in China, and those who avidly follow The FA Cup.

'Most of the content of the Mandarin website will be translated from TheFA.com but also a significant contribution to the website will be local content provided by our existing partners in the region.

'Naturally, we are also keen to maximise any commercial opportunities in China, as well as supporting our major global partners, Budweiser and Nike.'