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The size of the deal is seen by industry watchers as further proof
that major corporations, fans and consumers believe Asian football
to be on a par with football in Europe and South America, and with
the potential to outstrip both.
WSG president Seamus O'Brien said, "Our commitment gives the
AFC the strongest base possible from which to invest in football
at all levels across the continent. They now have a firm footing
to oversee the future development of the sport to improve facilities
and to nurture the talent of tomorrow, from the elite national and
club team competitions to grassroots projects."
For O'Brien, whose association with AFC dates back to 1992, the
deal is another significant milestone in the development of Asian
football and WSG's growth into Asia's leading sports event, marketing
and sponsorship agency.
"From the outset, AFC and WSG have had a set of share objectives
and a mutual understanding, and we have always sought to find business
solutions that take into account and reflect the enormous diversity
of the continent," concluded O'Brien.
AFC president, Mohamed bin Hammam agreed: "This agreement
follows months of negotiations by both parties, and I am delighted
that we have now gained the commercial security to continue our
rapid development and progress at all levels of the game.
"Our partnership with WSG is of immense importance to AFC.
Their belief in Asian football, and their loyalty to AFC, creates
a winning partnership, and I look forward to many more productive
years."
The AFC is looking to extend its cooperation with WSG after 2012,
if both parties are able to achieve their mutual objectives, added
Hammam.
The current roster of blue-chip companies which sponsor AFC include
Asahi Shimbun, Coca-Cola, Emirates, Epson, FamilyMart, Hyundai,
Makita, JCB, Kirin, Konica Minolta, Maxell, Nike, Nikon Samsung,
Toshiba, Toyota and Yamaha.
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