By Mark Baber
September 12 – Nike and the Norwegian Football Association have announced a new partnership that sees Nike become the federation’s official apparel sponsor, taking over from Umbro.
The multi-year agreement will commence in January 2015 and run until at least 2021.
Nike will produce all on-pitch and training product, as well as off-pitch product for players and fans.
Bert Hoyt, VP/GM of Nike Western Europe commented: “We’re very pleased to be partnering with the Norwegian Football Association. This is a further statement of our commitment to innovation and reaffirms our position as the world’s leading football brand,”
Hoyt added: “Norway is in the process of building a brand new team with many young and exciting players, and this is something that Nike wants to be a part of and help develop further.”
Kjetil Siem, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Norway commented: “Nike’s expertise provides a perfect fit with our ambitions for Norwegian football and will support the National Federation at every level of the game. We are very excited about our future together. This is the most extensive commercial partnership we have ever had with a kit supplier.”
Norway’s national men’s team was defeated at home 2-0 by Italy in their opening game of UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying.
The loss of Norway leaves Umbro, which was sold by Nike in 2012 to Iconix Brand Group, with Azerbaijan, Botswana, Canada, Greenland, Guatemala, Republic of Ireland, Peru, Serbia and Turkmenistan in its national team portfolio.
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