By David Gold
June 29 – English Premier League side Arsenal have agreed a three year partnership with mobile network operator Airtel Africa.
Under the terms of the deal Airtel will be able to use the club’s merchandise, hospitality and content rights in Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda, while Arsenal will be able to further connect with their African fans.
The London club is popular on the continent, largely thanks to a number of key African players who have shone under Arsène Wenger over recent years, including the likes of Senegalese born midfielder Patrick Vieira, Kolo Touré and Alex Song (pictured below).
Arsenal claim to have some 42 million fans in total across Africa, and supporters in the five countries covered by the deal will be able to win match tickets to watch this summer’s pre-season tour, as well as receiving exclusive club content.
Arsenal will also be supporting the Airtel Rising Stars football programme, which takes place annually and across a number of countries, offering youngsters the chance to showcase their talent to football selectors.
Those selected will have an opportunity to receive sports training at a residential clinic, and Arsenal will provide UEFA trained coaches to assist in the five countries covered in the Airtel deal.
Airtel Africa’s chief marketing officer Andre Beyers said: “Football fans across Africa are known for their passion of the great game.
“Arsenal’s exciting style of play and a history of working with the best talent from Africa will enrich this partnership and offer a wealth of opportunities for upcoming players and fans.
“The partnership provides an impetus to the Airtel Rising Stars in some of the countries that have produced amazing young talent and whose youth teams have gone on to win FIFA youth and Olympic tournaments.”
Airtel will also be the official mobile operator of Arsenal’s tour of Nigeria this summer.
The Gunners will visit the country for the first time in August, and it was announced today that the club will play the national team in Abuja.
Vinai Venkatesham, Arsenal’s head of global partnerships, added: “I am delighted to welcome Airtel into our family of commercial partners.
“This is the second long-term partnership arrangement to arise from the continent and we look forward to developing a number of exciting initiatives with Airtel, starting with our forthcoming tour to Nigeria in August.
“This underlines the depth of our following in Africa and how the profile of the club continues to grow internationally.”
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