adidas extends FIFA World Cup™ partnership through 2006
adidas becomes Official Sponsor, Supplier and Licensee of the FIFA World Cup™ 2002 and 2006 - long-term strategic commitment ensures unprecedented presence for the adidas brand at the world’s most watched sports event
Herzogenaurach, 07/09/2000 - adidas, the world’s leading soccer brand, will be an Official Sponsor, Official Supplier and Licensee of the FIFA World Cup™ in 2002 to be held in Korea and Japan and in 2006 in Germany. adidas also secured similar rights to all other major FIFA tournaments during this time period, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 2003 and the FIFA World Youth Championship™ in 2001, 2003 and 2005.
“adidas is the undisputed number one soccer brand in the world. Our long-term commitment to the FIFA World Cup™ underscores our determination to remain the brand of choice for players and fans worldwide, at every level of the game,” commented Erich Stamminger, Member of the Executive Board of adidas-Salomon AG, responsible for global marketing. “adidas is particularly excited to be part of the FIFA World Cup™ in Japan and Korea – key markets to adidas’ success in Asia – as well as in Germany – a stronghold of international soccer and the birth country of adidas.”
The agreement is an extension of adidas’ commitment to promoting soccer world-wide. In addition to major partnerships with many of the world’s top soccer symbols and top clubs, adidas has been an Official Sponsor, Supplier and Licensee of the FIFA World Cup™ since 1998. adidas is already an Official Supplier of the matchball and referee equipment to all FIFA competitions through 2006. adidas is also a major partner of the top symbols in international soccer, including the World and European Champion French national team, 2002 FIFA World Cup™ co-host Japan and 2006 host Germany.
The long-term strategic commitment to the FIFA World Cup™ also offers adidas extensive licensing and event rights, including joint marketing programmes, premium stadium signage and priority access to television advertising for all games. adidas will also supply the official outfit to all World Cup match officials and volunteers. The first licensed products bearing the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ symbols will be available in-store in Korea and Japan before Christmas 2000. The products will subsequently be available worldwide.