By Jaroslaw Adamowski
June 23 – Eintracht Frankfurt is eyeing an expanded sponsorship deal with German airline Lufthansa. The deal could generate revenues of about €5 million for the football club over the next five years.
Eintracht and Lufthansa launched cooperation in August 2008. Since then, the airline has been sponsoring the family sector at the club’s Commerzbank-Arena. Lufthansa also acquired its own VIP zone and business seats, and has advertising inventory at the stadium in Frankfurt.
The new deal is expected to significantly broaden the scope of the collaboration between Eintracht and the airline. In addition to the funds, Lufthansa is to provide free transportation services to the Frankfurt-based side.
With the latest move, Lufthansa is reportedly aiming to prevent further expansion into German sports by rival airlines from the Middle East, following talks held by officials from Eintracht and local businessmen in Abu Dhabi.
Among other clubs competing in the German Bundesliga, rival side Hamburger SV is currently sponsored by the Dubai-based Emirates airline.
The deal has not been confirmed by Lufthansa. However, an official offer is to be submitted this week, the newspaper said.
Eintracht won the German championship in 1959. The club’s Commerzbank-Arena has a capacity of some 51,500, including 42,200 seats.
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