LG Electronics sponsors Iraq's national football team

The global consumer electronics giant will serve as the official sponsor of both the Iraq national football team and Iraq's Olympic football teams from now until March 2006.

South Korea's Consul to the UAE, Mr. K.G Lee, attended today's signing ceremony between Iraq Football Association President Mr Hussein Saeed and Mr K.H. Kim, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa.

Mr Kim said: "Football in Iraq has struggled for many years without the level of investment taken for granted elsewhere in the world. But with the right direction, enthusiasm and the support of companies like LG Electronics, the abundant soccer talent in Iraq will soon gain the international recognition it deserves."

The sponsorship agreement entitles LG to a number of exclusive marketing rights, including use of the national team's emblem, branding of the teams' training kits, and the participation of top players in various promotional activities.

Mr Kim added: "Many challenges face modern Iraq at every level. Rebuilding the country's self-esteem is one important challenge, and the sponsorship announced today will contribute significantly to this task."

Iraq's vast potential as a market for consumer electronics is one factor in LG's strategic decision to put its weight behind the country's footballers. The success of the LG Cup national soccer tournament, and LG's support of the CAF Champions League in Africa, reflect the significant impact on brand awareness of high-level sports sponsorships in the region.

Globally, LG spends around US$7 million on football marketing alone and the company also sponsors the French and Russian national soccer teams.

For the Iraq Football Association (IFA), LG's sponsorship represents the first step in re-establishing the country as a regional football power.

IFA President Mr Hussein Saeed said: "This support will help strengthen team facilities and allow players to concentrate on their game rather than financial worries. We are determined to make the Iraq national squad one of the best teams in the Middle East in the next two years."