Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been announced as an investor in a new global chess tour.
The 25-year-old is backing the Norway Chess organization, which is set to launch the Total Chess World Championship Tour next year.
Four tournaments will be staged annually in different cities, with a world champion crowned across three disciplines – fast classic, rapid and blitz chess.
It is being supported by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and a pilot tournament is planned for this autumn.
Each season will have a minimum prize pool of $2.7m (£2m) with Fide describing it as “one of the most significant developments in modern chess”.
Speaking to the federation’s website, Haaland said chess was “an incredible game” and he likened it to football as “it sharpens your mind”.
“You have to think quickly, trust your instincts and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything,” he added.
“I’m investing in Norway Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can turn chess into an even bigger sport for spectators around the world.”
The Norwegian’s compatriot, grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, has won world titles across numerous formats.
