By Mark Baber
September 9 – Adidas is extending its partnership with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) until 2026. Under the terms of the partnership, which had originally been scheduled to run until 2018, the German group will continue to supply kits and apparel to all RFEF teams, including the Spanish national football team.
Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer said: “Adidas is the global leader in football [gear] and Spain is one of the strongest teams in the world, which makes this partnership a perfect fit.”
“We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership and supporting the Spanish Federation in their future successes.”
RFEF president Ángel María Villar stated that working with Adidas was “the single best option for all teams.”
Adidas currently have sponsorship arrangements in place with 27 European national teams and 41 national teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, compared to a total of 36 who have chosen Adidas’ major rival Nike.
For an extended period, from 2008 to 2013, Spain topped the FIFA World Ranking and would have been regarded as a jewel in the Adidas crown. However they have now fallen to 11th place, behind other Adidas-sponsored teams including Argentina (1st), Belgium (2nd), Germany (3rd), Colombia (4th) and Wales (9th).
Although Spain sit on top of Group C in qualifying for the 2016 Euros (thanks to a fortunate 1-0 win against Macedonia) their lack-lustre performances of late do not bode well for sales, especially outside of their home market, with 2014-15 shirt prices very heavily discounted.
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