Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, is making headlines not just for his footballing prowess but also for his investment in a new global chess initiative aimed at broadening the sport's global reach. The project, backed by the Norway Chess organisation, is set to launch the Total Chess World Championship Tour, which will feature four marquee tournaments held annually in various cities worldwide. This strategic move signals a growing intersection between sports and other disciplines, showcasing how popular athletes are expanding their interests beyond traditional sports.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will not only provide a platform for chess but also promises substantial financial backing, with an annual minimum prize pool of $2.7 million (£2 million). This significant investment highlights the ambition of the tour to attract elite players and engage global audiences passionate about chess. The initiative has received the endorsement of the International Chess Federation, which recognizes it as one of the most important innovations in modern chess.

A pilot tournament is slated for this autumn, paving the way for the tour's official launch next year. Haaland's involvement in this venture reflects his appreciation for chess, which he has described as an "incredible game." This investment not only raises the profile of chess but also suggests a fresh avenue for revenue generation within the sport, potentially altering the landscape of chess competition and viewer engagement on an international scale.