FC Zenit and FC Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) become partners

FC Zenit and FC Crvena Zvezda have signed a five-year contract on cooperation.

The contract calls for active cooperation, especially in the spheres of children`s and youth football. The two clubs plan to hold joint practices and friendly matches, and to organize international tournaments, joint seminars, and football classes. The two teams are planning to share information on training methods and practice. Those footballers who show promise will be able to do internships in one another`s clubs. The contract also foresees veterans from the two clubs playing friendly matches and holding meetings together. The two clubs also plan to exchange experience at working with fans, promoting tolerance, and stemming extremism. Another direction of cooperation is to exchange experience at creating club museums.

The two clubs have organized a Partnership Board to coordinate the work of the signed agreement. Each club will have three representatives on the board. Representatives from Crvena Zvezda and Zenit will take turns as Chairman of the Partnership Board. FC Zenit will take responsibility for the role of Chairman of the Partnership Board in 2011.

Comment from M.L. Mitrofanov, General Director of FC Zenit

— We`re happy to have this partnership with the leading club of Serbia. Signing a mutual agreement with Crvena Zvezda is another step in integrating Zenit into the European football community. All directions of cooperation are important, including work with both club veterans and with fans. We`re sure that this cooperation will be productive.