February 23 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has added another official sponsor partner for its club competitions with international financial services company Allianz becoming the first sponsor in this category.
The four-year deal will run through to 2021. No figure was released for the sponsorship.
The AFC has undertaken a major realignment of its club competitions in recent years to great effect. The result commercially is the creation of marketing and sponsorship propositions that are attractive to major global brands.
The Allianz sponsorship will include the AFC Champions League, the expanded AFC Cup, as well as the highly successful AFC Futsal Club Championship. Allianz will receive a package including digital activation as well as board placement and signage.
Dato’ Windsor John, AFC General Secretary, said: “We’re excited to welcome Allianz as an official sponsor. Their willingness to partner is testament once again to the quality and strength of the AFC’s competitions.
“In the AFC Vision and Mission, we emphasised our commitment to engage with more fans and communities to reinforce our position as the number one sport in Asia. Partnering with a world-class brand in Allianz will enable us to realise our aspirations under the banner of One Asia, One Goal.”
Allianz is already a major sponsor in European football and the move into Asia with the AFC sponsorship is aimed to connect them more deeply with customers in key Asian markets, as well as significantly expanding brand presence in the growth region.
“This partnership exemplifies the distinct Allianz values of innovation, courage and excellence, and brings them to life by celebrating our footballers, fans and communities in the region”, said Lars Heibutzki, Chief Distribution Officer for Asia, Allianz.
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