The China-UK Football Development Forum was held in London on Sept 18. The two sides exchanged views over the development of youth football, to strengthen cooperation over the sport.

Vice-premier Liu Yandong attended the forum and vowed to work together with Britain over football development. President of China sports administration Cai Zhenhua was also at the forum, with Guangzhou Evergrande President Xu Jiayin and Wang Jianlin of Wanda Group. Former England international Michael Owen represented the English FA.

Liu said China looks for deeper communication between the Chinese Super League and the English Premier League. Liu added that the youth players of the two countries should be given more opportunities to visit each other to exchange views on football.

After the forum, Liu helped kick off a charity game held by Tottenham Hotspur and received a Spurs jersey as a gift from the London club.