AFC, Coca Cola sign big deal

AFC, Coca Cola sign big deal

JAKARTA (JP): Asia's latest performance at the just concluded
soccer extravaganza - the World Cup finals - in the United States
which saw debutant Saudi Arabia make it to the second round has
prompted Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to further boost
soccer in the region.

In an effort to make the sport further develop Asia's highest
soccer governing body, AFC signed a multi-million dollar
sponsorship with Coca-Cola recently in Kuala Lumpur.

"The agreement is part of a comprehensive marketing strategy
to ensure funding for all major events in Asia," said AFC
secretary Peter Velapan as quoted by Jannus Hutapea of Coca-Cola
Indonesia.

Already a big supporter of soccer in the region, the soft
drink giant will now sponsor all major events under the sanction
of the association. "They include the Asian final qualifying
rounds of the Olympics and the World Cup as well as major junior,
youth and women's competitions," Jannus added. (rsl)