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UAEFA signs 2-season deal with Volkswagen

The agreement is effective immediately and valid for two seasons until September 30, 2012.

In line with Volkswagen Middle East’s goal to positively support and contribute to the communities in which it operates, the German automotive company and its local partners will sponsor, promote and support the UAE FA and national teams, with a total of 40 vehicles and a host of other activities. The vehicles — which include Touaregs, Passat CCs, Golf GTIs and Multivans — will be used by national team players and the UAE FA.

Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, president of the UAEFA, announced the groundbreaking partnership during a joint news conference at the association’s premises in Dubai. “I would like above all to welcome the world leading automobile manufacturer and its local partners to this historic moment in which we intended to announce a ground breaking two-year partnership with Volkswagen. We are truly delighted to add this giant company to our list of partners. Football has been and will remain the world’s most popular sport and has been delivering at the economic, social, health and psychological levels for the people of our planet of different cultures, languages and ethnical groups,” he said.

The UAEFA president said that the partnership would help the association in a big way. “Based on this common understanding, sponsoring football teams is a strong push and valuable contribution to the society as a whole and not to the football community alone. We have been following up the contributions made by Volkswagen to the world of sports and today it is opening new horizons in our beloved country to widen its ventures. We appreciate and value this partnership which will help us to make a steady move in developing the game and we are pleased to work together for the next coming two years. Our national teams will be facing many challenges in the upcoming months and years. We are preparing for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Brazil and the 2012 London Games qualifiers and hopefully with the support of Volkswagen we would be able to realise our ambitions and make our dreams true.”

Teaming up with Volkswagen Middle East is an important step in widening the posts for the Emirates’ football goals and aspirations, Al Rumaithi said. “Volkswagen’s commitment to football in the UAE as well as in the region is commendable, and we are proud to have such a dedicated partner with us for the next two years,” he added.

Stefan Mecha, managing director of Volkswagen Middle East, was equally pleased with the partnership and hoped that it would help UAE soccer to grow in a big way.

“Volkswagen has been active in its support for football for many years, both through sponsorship of local teams in the markets in which we operate, and through our own internationally organised football tournaments such as the Volkswagen Junior Masters. Signing this agreement to support the UAE FA and national teams is a solid step in strengthening our relationship and commitment to the UAE, which is home to our regional office. We look forward to the excitement of the next two seasons, and hope that our positive support will assist in the continued success of these talented international ambassadors of Emirati football,” Mecha added.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com