By David Gold
March 5 – Puma has extended its long term partnership with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) through to the World Cup in Russia in 2018, it has been announced.
The new deal sees Puma take on management of the entire licensing portfolio of the FIGC globally in its new status as “Official Master Licensee”.
They will also continue to be the FIGC’s official kitwear partner for the Italian national team, the highest profile of the 16 international sides Puma supply kit for, which also includes South Africa, Switzerland and Copa America champions Uruguay.
Puma launched a new Italy away kit in Genoa to coincide with the extension of the nine year partnership, which features for the first time in almost 40 years a horizontal blue stripe which stretches across the chest.
Puma chief executive Franz Koch said: “We have enjoyed a highly successful relationship with the FIGC over the past nine years, and as such we are delighted to have reached this new agreement and considerably expand our partnership with them.”
FIGC President Giancarlo Abete said: “Puma has been a great partner for us, and we are very happy to not only continue but also deepen our relationship with them.
“Their licensing expertise, ideas and commitment to expanding the commercial potential of this partnership are impressive, and have led us to create this new contract.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734880117labto1734880117ofdlr1734880117owedi1734880117sni@d1734880117log.d1734880117ivad1734880117