Iraqi football receives a boost from LG Electronics

For the next two years, LG is the official sponsor of both the Iraq national football team and the country's Olympic team.

Iraq celebrated a stunning return to Olympic football after a 16-year absence with a thrilling 4-2 win over Portugal to top Group D at the Olympic football tournament.

The Iraqi team has reached the semi-finals of the Olympic men's football after a 1-0 win over Australia. Two Group D wins had already ensured Iraq a place in the last eight of the 2004 Olympic men's football. The Iraqi squad, that made it to the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup last month, went into the match as underdogs against an impressive Portuguese line up that included Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Boa Morte of Fulham.

"We are delighted with the victories," said K.H. Kim, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa. "We believe the Iraqi team will notch up bigger wins in the future. With the right direction, enthusiasm and support, soccer talent in Iraq will soon gain the international recognition it deserves."

Football in Iraq has struggled for several years without the level of investment taken for granted elsewhere in the world. By sponsoring the team, LG is investing in training, facilities and equipment for players, besides providing them with the much-needed financial support.

While announcing the partnership IFA President, Hussein Saeed said; "This agreement provides a tremendous boost for football in Iraq. LG is a big name and their support will allow us to build upon the success that our teams have already achieved under very challenging circumstances. We look forward to working with LG in fulfilling their marketing needs and taking our sport on to even higher levels".

"The rejuvenation of sport in Iraq is vital in highlighting that this country can and will return to normality and has a bright and prosperous future. The fact that a company such as LG has recognised this potential sends out a clear signal to other multi-nationals that the way into Iraq is initially through sport," said Hayder al Fekaiki, Director of IraqiSport.