May 8 – Japanese sports equipment manufacturer Molten Corporation has expanded its rights portfolio in football becoming the Official Match Ball supplier for the Asian Football Confederation’s national and club events, starting with the confederation’s AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Molten, who are better known for their strength in basketball and handball markets, are starting to mount a challenge to Adidas and Nike for premium rights positions. Molten recently secured rights to the UEFA Europa League from 2018 to 2021.
The AFC deal will also see them supply balls the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup, AFC’s two flagship futsal events as well as several men’s and women’s youth events at the national team level.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “We are delighted to have Molten as the official match ball supplier of AFC’s national and club competitions. It is a significant partnership as it not only showcases Asia’s leading competitions but also one of the world’s leading Asian ball manufacturers. We are excited to have teamed up with the supplier of world-class footballs, and look forward to seeing the partnership grow in line with our leading competitions.”
In a press statement the AFC emphasised its “efforts to strengthen the football infrastructure and eco-system in Asia, Molten Corporation will wholly manufacture its match balls in Thailand and China.”
Kiyofumi Tamiaki, President and CEO of Molten Corporation, said: “At Molten, we continuously strive to produce the absolute best-in-quality sports equipment through innovative technology. Through this new partnership, we are committed to working hand in hand with the AFC to provide football of the highest quality to support the growth and development of football in Asia.”
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