By David Gold
October 4 – Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced that Hyundai will continue to sponsor the A-League until 2016.
Hyundai became the first partner of the A-League in 2004, when it signed a four-year deal, and then renewed in 2008.
The company’s support has been a significant part of the A-League’s growth in recent years and the announcement was timed to coincide with the official launch of the new season, which sees the introduction of a new team, Western Sydney Wanderers.
They replace Gold Coast United, expelled from the league after a dispute between the FFA and the club’s owner Clive Palmer.
This season will also see a revamped sudden-death style finals series.
There have also been three highly significant signings for Australian teams during the pre-season.
Japanese star Shinji Ono (pictured above) signed for Wanderers and former England international Emile Heskey (pictured top, right) joined Newcastle Jets.
However, the biggest boost to the Australian game for some years came when Alessandro del Piero (pictured top, left), who spent his whole career at Italian giants Juventus, signed for Sydney FC after leaving the Bianconeri this summer.
“The support of Hyundai until 2016 will ensure the A-League will continue to thrive and grow,” said FFA chief executive Ben Buckley.
“Hyundai had the vision and commitment to back football in Australia in 2004 when the A-League concept was first floated.
“The spectacular growth will this season see the Hyundai A-League pass the 10 million mark for aggregate attendance.
“During last season Hyundai sold its one millionth car in Australia, a stunning testament to the company’s success, and a measure of how the brands of Hyundai and the A-League have complemented each other.
“With Hyundai’s continued support, the A-League has a firm foundation for another four years of growth.
“The Hyundai A-League is now an established part of the Australian sporting landscape and we have Edward Lee and his team at Hyundai Motor Company Australia to thank for a remarkable contribution to this success.”
Hyundai is a partner of the FFA as the Official Vehicle Supplier to the national teams, as well as being a grassroots partner.
The South Korean automotive giant is also a partner of the FIFA World Cup, a deal which runs until Qatar 2022.
Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive Edward Lee added: “At Hyundai, we have watched the development of football in Australia like an exciting football match, admiring the skills of the players, sharing the passion of loyal supporters and gasping as each high and low has played out.
“With this commitment we will not only continue our investment in football but will enhance it through a number of supporting activities including increasing our donations for our Hyundai A-League Goals for Grassroots programme.
“We look forward to sharing with all Australians the successes, the excitements and, yes, even the disappointments that are the mark of the beautiful game.”
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