MUMBAI: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Makita has extended its commercial engagement with Asian football for a further four years.

The Japanese power tool company, which has worked with the AFC since 2005, has extended its commercial relationship with Asian football’s governing body through the AFC National Programme until 2016.

Makita’s sponsorship includes all AFC national competitions including the AFC Asian Cup – Asia’s top sporting event – as well as the qualifying tournaments for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.

AFC acting president Zhang Jilong said, "Asian football has provided great value in recent years to its sponsors. We hope that our relationship with Makita will allow football in our continent to continue to flourish."

The agreement was sealed by World Sport Group, the AFC’s exclusive marketing and media partner in conjunction with Dentsu.

Makita president Masahiko Goto said, "We are proud to continue our partnership with AFC as we have been a part of Asian football family since 2005, We have been working hard to succeed together with Asian football for many years and we intend to continue working together with the Asian Football Confederation."