AIFF ropes in Panasonic as sponsor

AIFF ropes in Panasonic as sponsor

MUMBAI: Panasonic has announced its partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and will be spending Rs 142.5 million over three years to promote the sport in India.

Panasonic has signed an MoU with AIFF. Says AIFF president Praful Patel, "We will be getting Rs 47.5 million each over the next three years with this contract, which will give us more flexibility with our international fixtures."
 
Panasonic has a big presence in international football. "Their association with the national team will boost the sport in the country. This is also a crucial juncture for Indian football as we are heading towards the Asian Cup in 2011," says Patel. 
 
Panasonic India CEO Daizo Ito adds, "Panasonic has been a strong supporter and endorser of football in Thailand and is delighted to extend this association to All India Football Federation. We are confident that this association will take football to newer heights." 
 
Football is the second most popular sport in the country after cricket. Says Patel, "I understand that we have to do a lot to improve the standard of the game and it is going to be a long haul. But we are confident we will be able to do that, what with the young generation following European leagues with such enthusiasm. We have to work around our domestic circuit for that”.