Panasonic sponsor GCC Champions League 2009

The GCC Champion League, now in its 25th year, decides the best football club in the GCC.

The GCC Champion League includes two teams from each of the participating countries, chosen by their national associations and based on the ranks of these teams in local championships.

Panasonic constantly devotes both time and energy to the world of sports. The pursuit of perfection is the result of teamwork, complete dedication, and the determination to encourage the spirit of sporting excellence across the globe, from the Olympics to F1 racing.

In the Middle East, the union between a dynamic and innovative brand such as Panasonic and the GCC's premier football tournament, the GCC Champion League, will enhance the profile of both institutions.

"Football remains the most popular sport in the Arab world, and as the main sponsors of the GCC Champions League, Panasonic is dedicated to help develop local football talent capable of competing with the best in the world,"

said Anthony Peter, Associate Director and Group General Manager, Direct Communications and Customer Care Group, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

"This sponsorship is part of Panasonic's business vision of raising the profile and benefits of sports in the region."

"Panasonic is a high-performance company with ambitious and visionary goals, and like the aspirations of the GCC Champions League, we want to be amongst the best in the world. Our spirit of excellence is reflected in our association with a premier sporting event in the region," added Peter.

The GCC Champion League 2009 combines the winning teams of GCC national leagues, including, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. At its current scheme, the GCC Champion League aims at developing GCC teams. The teams are divided into four groups, each containing three teams. The tournament starts in September and will end in the beginning of 2010.

"We are delighted to have Panasonic as a main sponsors of this prestigious tournament," said the organisers.

"Panasonic's ideal of promoting sporting excellence in the region is in keeping with our vision of developing local talent to become capable of competing at an international level. The contribution of Panasonic will help us raise the prestige of the tournament in the region."

The 12 teams who will participate in this years tournament are Al Arabi (Kuwait), Al Muharraq (Bahrain), Al Shabab (United Arabic Emirates), Al Nasr (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Al Khor (Qatar), Sour (Oman), Ittifaq (KSA), Al Orouba (Oman), Qatar (Qatar), Kuwait (Kuwait), Al Wasl (UAE), Al Rifaa (Bahrain).

The 2008 edition of The GCC Champion League was won by the Saudi Al Ahli team against the Saudi Al Nasr team.