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)