Erling Haaland is investing in a new comprehensive World Chess Championship Tour

Manchester City Striker Erling Haaland has been announced as an investor in a new World Chess Tour.

The 25-year-old supports the Norwegian Chess Organisation, which is set to launch an overall World Chess Championship tour next year.

Four tournaments will be organized annually in different cities, where a world champion will be crowned in three disciplines – classical rapid chess, rapid chess, and blitz chess.

It is supported by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and a trial tournament is scheduled for this fall.

Each season will have a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million (£2 million) and has been described by the Fed Federation as “one of the most important developments in modern chess”.

Speaking to the federation’s website, Haaland said that chess is an “amazing game” and likened it to football because it “sharpens your mind.”

He added: “You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several steps ahead. Strategy and planning are everything.”

“I am investing in Norwegian chess because I believe that the new comprehensive World Chess Championship Tour can turn chess into a bigger sport for spectators around the world.”