Etisalat today announced a partnership agreement with FC Barcelona, the renowned European football club, known familiarly as Barça, and ranked Number 1 in the list of the greatest football clubs of the last 18 years by International organization IFFHS.
The four year partnership agreement will entitle Etisalat and its international subsidiaries to become the "Official International Telecom Partner of FC Barcelona" in their respective countries. Besides advertising and branding rights, Etisalat will also have the privilege of organizing two international matches with FCB in the location of their choice, against nominated teams, opening possibilities of bringing the FCB to the UAE.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Mohammad Omran, Chairman, Etisalat said, "Football represents passion, teamwork, solidarity and leadership – values that Etisalat represents in the corporate world. Etisalat has been a strong supporter and an endorser of the game of football for a long time, and is delighted to partner with FC Barcelona, the world champion football club. At Etisalat, we acknowledge that sport can be a powerful vehicle for social change, bringing people together and instilling values of teamwork and camaraderie. We hope that our association with FC Barcelona will create spectacle both on and off field and connect diverse global football fan base together through this amazing sport.
Joan Laporta Estruch, President of FCBarcelona said, "The aim of FCBarcelona is worldwide presence and this agreement will allow us to strengthen out image and presence in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. That is why a global brand such as ours has tied up with Etisalat, one of the biggest and leading telecom companies in the world today. Etisalat is a strong partner for us and we look forward to a mutually beneficial association with them"
Through this partnership, Etisalat will bring football action to its 80 million Etisalat customers in 18 countries, while providing an extended worldwide fan base to the FC Barcelona in relatively newer territories. The partnership will also further strengthen Etisalat's association with football. The Telco had earlier sponsored the Etisalat Football League, the UAE-Brazil football match and other tournaments both locally and internationally.
Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat said, “ Etisalat's association with FC Barcelona will accentuate our global profile and brand, that is already creating excitement around the world. At Etisalat, we strive to extend people’s reach, by being more than just a telecom service provider. Through this association, we will take each and every football enthusiast closer to the excitement and spirit of the game. Etisalat will also line up a number of initiatives that will enable our customers to enjoy their favorite game and experience the season from the best digital seats”.
Earlier this year, FC Barcelona set the record for amassing the highest points total for the first half of a season in La Liga and the International organization IFFHS ranked Barça first in their list of the greatest football clubs of the last 18 years.
