The exclusive four-year partnership includes a screening of a 10-second DHL animated timing graphic in each of the AFC Champions League (ACL) 117 ‘live’ match broadcasts per season; the right to use the official designation in all advertising, promotions and marketing materials; plus a branded segment, “DHL Delivery of the Week”, in a weekly football magazine show.
“DHL is a strong supporter of major sporting events and activities. Globally, we partner F1 as the Official Logistics provider for the world’s most popular automotive race. In Asia, we support Special Olympics and the NBA,” said Lindsay Birley, senior vice president, commercial, DHL Express Asia Pacific.
“Football is the most popular sport in Asia-Pacific, and a successful football team displays the same values as DHL: teamwork, accuracy and reliability. Therefore, a partnership with the Asian Football Confederation to promote the AFC Champions League is a natural fit.”
Ian Mathie, senior vice-president, football - South Asia, Asean and Australia, World Sport Group, added, “The AFC Champions League is experiencing dramatic growth and we expect to see live, television and broadband audiences continue to soar across the region. Clearly, DHL has recognised the value and benefits of associating with this competition and we look forward to working with them to successfully fulfill their communication goals and brand aspirations.”
The renewed AFC Champions League kicks off on March 10 and will feature the region’s top clubs, including 32 teams from across Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Singapore who will battle for an increased total prize money of US$8 million.
All matches are broadcast on cable, terrestrial and satellite television throughout Asia as well as online via www.the-afc.tv, which is accessible globally.
