Hyundai Extends A-League Partnership Until 2016
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SYDNEY – Oct 3, 2012: Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Hyundai Motor Company Australia have today announced that the automotive manufacturer's highly successful naming rights partnership with the Hyundai A-League will continue for an additional four years until 2016.
Hyundai's partnership with Football Federation Australia extends across the whole of the sport, including Hyundai's role as the Official Vehicle Supplier to the Qantas Socceroos and Westfield Matildas, as well as being one of FFA's Official Grassroots Partners with the 'Goals for Grassroots' programme.
Hyundai is also an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup through to Qatar in 2022.
"The support of Hyundai until 2016 will ensure the A-League will continue to thrive and grow," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.
"Hyundai had the vision and commitment to back football in Australia in 2004 when the A-League concept was first floated. The spectacular growth will this season see the Hyundai A-League pass the 10 million mark for aggregate attendance.
"During last season Hyundai sold its one millionth car in Australia, a stunning testament to the company's success, and a measure of how the brands of Hyundai and the A-League have complemented each other. With Hyundai's continued support, the A-League has a firm foundation for another four years of growth.
"The Hyundai A-League is now an established part of the Australian sporting landscape and we have Edward Lee and his hardworking team at the Hyundai Motor Company Australia to thank for a remarkable contribution to this success."
Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Edward Lee, was also equally proud to announce the extension of the partnership.
"At Hyundai, we have watched the development of football in Australia like an exciting football match, admiring the skills of the players, sharing the passion of loyal supporters, feeling a part of every shot, pass and tackle and gasping as each high and low has played out," said Lee.
"Some eight years after committing to the Hyundai A-League, I am delighted to announce that Hyundai will remain the official naming rights partner for the Hyundai A-League for a further four years, through to 2016.
"With this commitment we will not only continue our investment in football, but will enhance it through a number of supporting activities including increasing our donations for our Hyundai A-League 'Goals for Grassroots' programme.
"We look forward to sharing with all Australians the successes, the excitements and, yes, even the disappointments that are the mark of the beautiful game."
Hyundai was the first partner of the A-League competition, which was announced on 1 November 2004, with a four year agreement as the naming rights partner.
Following an initial renewal in 2008, Hyundai have again shown their support and vision for the continued success of the A-League.
Today's partnership announcement was made at the official launch of the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 Season.
Key features of Season 8 include the introduction of a revamped sudden-death finals series, the addition of new team the Western Sydney Wanderers FC, and the arrival of three international superstars to league; Alessandro Del Piero (Sydney FC), Emile Heskey (Newcastle Jets) and Shinji Ono (Sydney Wanderers).
Hyundai A-League Partnership Key Statistics
The first round of the 2012/2013 Hyundai A-League season will kick off on Friday, 5th October.
