Global and regional digital leader LG Electronics has renewed its contract to sponsor the Iraqi Football Association for another two years. The agreement will see vital funds flow into the sport at all levels, and boost Iraq’s national and Olympic soccer teams.
Mr. K. W Kim, President of LG Electronics, Middle East and Africa Operations, said: “Despite tremendous difficulties, Iraq football has made major strides over the last two years, and we are determined to see that this good work continues. We have been inspired by the achievements of the players, as have communities across the Middle East.”
Iraq are currently preparing for the 2008 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the team are eager to improve on the country’s impressive showing at the Athens Olympics. Iraq reached the quarterfinal of the 2004 Olympics, attracting international attention and the praise of US President George Bush.
Mr. Kim said that LG’s sponsorship showed its belief in football as a means to heal communities, and reflected the brand’s commitment to the region. He said: “It is only appropriate that LG announces the extension of its sponsorship of the Iraq FA in a World Cup year. LG has a great relationship with football, and the ongoing LG Cup is the largest corporate sports event of its type in the region. We have reached thousands of football fans across the Middle East and Africa, and our renewed sponsorship will hopefully see the joy of football touch more people’s lives in Iraq.”
Aside from much needed financial support, LG’s sponsorship will help provide for training facilities, equipment, practice sessions in Jordan, and the team’s participation in qualifying games and tournaments. The terms of the agreement are largely unchanged.
The Iraq Football Association’s partnership with LG is the first corporate sponsorship in its history. Announced in Dubai two years ago, the tie-up made international headlines and saw the Iraq Olympic team travel to Seoul as LG’s VIP guests to play their Korean counterparts at the Sangam Football Stadium.
Mr. Hussain S. Mohammed, President of the Iraq Football Association, said: “I would like to thank LG Electronics for its investment and continued faith in the work of the Iraq Football Association. The progress we have made would not have been possible without the support of LG Electronics. The sponsorship has helped us overcome many practical difficulties in rejuvenating Iraq football at all levels of the sport.”
Today’s press conference in Dubai to announce the renewal of the agreement was also attended by Mr. Sudad Al Mutair, Executive Director, Iraqi National Teams; Mr. Laieth Abdul Razak, Manager, Iraq FA; and Mr. Razzak Farhan, captain of the Iraq national team. LG’s delegation included Mr. Kevin Cha, General Manager, LG Electronics, Baghdad Office.
Mr. Razzak Farhan, Iraq national team captain, said: “We are thrilled that LG Electronics has decided to back us once again, and hope to repay the faith shown in us with more success on the field.”
