Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Football Association has chosen AspireInfront as its exclusive media and marketing partner for the men’s national team matches. The Doha-based joint venture between Aspire Katara Investment and Infront Sports & Media will market the sponsorship opportunities as well as the international media rights for home matches, including both qualifiers and friendlies, in a partnership that starts from 1 June 2015.
The new agreement covers the distribution of worldwide media rights across all platforms and territories on an exclusive basis (except for the domestic territory of Qatar where the rights are non-exclusive). The marketing rights include stadium advertising, including LED boards, score boards and interview backdrops. In addition, match sponsors will be provided with a hospitality contingent and further promotional rights.
Qatar’s opponents for the second qualification round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and the preliminary round of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 will be China, Maldives, Bhutan and Hong Kong, as officially drawn this morning.
Global network and domestic market know-how
Hamad Al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communications at Qatar Football Association, said: “Whilst strongly focused on the development of our national team, we are always looking for new ways to share the team’s progress and raise media awareness of Qatar’s great and challenging football journey. Partnering with AspireInfront gives us extra potential and leverages our efforts to market Qatar football and to help spread its popularity globally. At the same time, the company’s domestic roots mean that it understands our country’s sports culture and the significant role that the national football team holds.”
Thomas Lessenich, Managing Director of AspireInfront, added: “After the successful marketing of the 2014 TIM Italian Super Cup between Juventus Turin and Napoli in Doha last December through the Infront Group, we are pleased to be entrusted with the most prestigious domestic football property in the country. We thank the Qatar Football Association for its confidence in our ability to add value through dedicated marketing competence and sales strength.”
About the QFA
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) was established in the 1960s; it is a pioneer among Qatari sports associations and one of the main associations that operate under the banner of the Qatar Olympic Committee. QFA played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for football in the state, and is still the first to help advance the game and improve its level in Qatar, thus making the state a crucial player on the regional and international football scene. QFA hosted countless local, regional and international tournaments that provide a platform for local football development. Qatar Football Association (QFA) operates under Strategic Vision 2021 and aims to become a pioneering football association in the region, known for creativity and winning.
About AspireInfront
AspireInfront is a 50/50 joint venture between Infront Sports & Media and the investment company Aspire Katara Investment (AKI) focused on the Gulf region. Headquartered in Doha, Qatar, AspireInfront offers all relevant services around the implementation and marketing of national and global sports events. Assisting rights holders in developing local sports events and formats as well as increasing the appeal of the region for top international events and sponsors, AspireInfront bridges growth markets in the Middle East with established sports centres in Europe and Asia.
