Chinese businessman’s multi-million dollar AFL deal

A CHINESE businessman whose company was knocked back from investing in Australia’s largest cattle property has found a new link to the country through AFL.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 8: Brad Ebert of the Power celebrates a goal during the 2016 AFL Round 03 match between Port Adelaide Power and the Essendon Bombers at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media)

A CHINESE businessman whose company was knocked back from investing in Australia’s largest cattle property has found a new link to the country through AFL.

Shanghai Cred Real Estate president Gui Goujie has signed up to a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Port Adelaide Football Club.

Mr Gui’s company was involved in a bid for the massive Kidman cattle estate that was rejected by Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison last year on national interest grounds.

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At the time, Malcolm Turnbull pointed to “national security issues” from the potential sale of the huge property because it is close to the Woomera weapons testing range in outback South Australia.

Mr Gui’s company already has interests in agricultural land in Western Australia and is keen to buy further into Australian real estate.

As part of the three-deal signed with Port Adelaide, the Chinese property developer will fund an AFL premiership season game to be played in Shanghai in 2017.

The deal also includes increased broadcasting of the game into China.

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas with benefactor Gui Goujie sign a historic deal to bring AFL football to China. Picture: Stephen Cooper

Mr Turnbull joined Mr Gui, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan and Port Adelaide boss Keith Thomas to sign the deal in Shanghai today.

The Prime Minister praised the deal as a way to boost ties between the two countries over what he said was “the most exciting football code”.

“I say this as a former mediocre rugby player — AFL is the most exciting football code,” Mr Turnbull said.

“It is the leaping, jumping, flying game. Where the big men fly, as they say. Where possession is everything. It is a game that moves faster than any other.”

China’s national broadcaster CCTV started broadcasting AFL games on April 8 and the deal with Mr Gui will see increased coverage.

Mr Turnbull said the deal could lead to a Chinese national team and AFL programs in Chinese schools.

Port Adelaide has already agreed to play in the game planned in Shanghai next year, which will be the first outside Australasia.

Originally published as Chinese businessman’s multi-million dollar AFL deal