Portugal: Ledman, 2^nd division title sponsor, will integrate Chinese players and coaches at 10 clubs

Ledman Optoelectronic Co. Ltd, a Chinese manufacturer of LED devices, has become the title sponsor of the Segunda Liga, the Portuguese second division (24 clubs) from the 2016-17 season, announced the LPFP, on 25/01/2016. The championship will be referred to as the Ledman Proliga, said the company.

Ledman is the first Chinese company to become the title sponsor of a European league. The company has also obtained additional marketing rights (TV, visibility on advertising boards, rights of the clubs, etc.). The agreement also includes sporting provisions, namely that ten Chinese players and three assistant coaches will be integrated into Portuguese clubs, announced the LED manufacturer. "We do not understand why the League has allowed an economic group to impose players and coaches on clubs," said Joaquim Evangelista, the president of the Union of Portuguese players, following the announcement, on 26/01/2016.

The company, based in Shenzhen, actively supports Chinese football and has been the official sponsor of the CSL and a partner of the Chinese Federation since 2011.