Sponsorship, TV revenues set to soar for 2007 AFC Asian Cup

ASIA-PACIFIC - The 2007 AFC Asian Cup has kicked off, with cumulative audiences of one billion expected in Asia, Europe and North America. The tournament is being held in four countries this year, with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam hosting 32 matches between them.

by | 07/10/2007

"The appreciation of the Cup has grown," said Seamus O'Brien, president and CEO of World Sport Group,which manages the event’s sponsorship and TV rights. "Australia is now taking part, a team good enough to play in the European leagues. This has helped the tournament gain broader appeal."

Sponsorship revenues, from companies including Emirates, Toshiba and Samsung, are up on the previous tournament by between 40 to 50 per cent, said O'Brien. TV revenues are expected to climb by up to 60 per cent.