MUMBAI: Global imaging and innovation leader Epson has concluded a four-year extension to its sponsorship agreement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The association enhances awareness of the Epson brand across Asia and globally while allowing Epson to get closer to its customers in the Asia region, the fastest growing football market in the world.

The new sponsorship deal runs through to the end of 2016 and covers competitions including the AFC Asian Cup, the 2012 Olympic Qualifiers, and the 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil Asian Qualifiers.

The sponsorship provides benefits to Epson that include stadium and on-screen advertising rights, and gives the company the opportunity to give something back to the football fans of Asia.

Epson General Manager of Global Communications Ian Cameron commented, "Epson is proud of its ongoing commitment to the development of Asian football. The region is vitally important for Epson, and our longstanding alliance with the AFC reflects this.We are committed to further strengthening our brand in Asia, and to supporting Asian football and football fans in the years ahead."

Epson has been the main sponsor of AFC since 1997.