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Tag: soccer

  • Juventus F.C. Partners Multi-Family Office to Grow Asia Fanbase

    Juventus F.C. Partners Multi-Family Office to Grow Asia Fanbase

    Hong-Kong-based Raffled Family Office will become the football club’s regional partner in Asia under a three-year deal inked this week.

    Under the partnership, the two sides will collaborate on a range of branding and marketing initiatives, and the Italian club’s first team will return to Asia, following visits to Singapore for friendly games in 2014 and 2019.

    At a media briefing earlier this week, RFO founder and CEO Chi Man Kwan said there will also be opportunities for its ultra-high-net-worth clients, business partners, and employees to catch Champions League games involving the Italian champions and meet its stars.

    Juventus opened its APAC marketing office in 2019, and like Raffles, has expressed a desire to grow its reach in Greater China.

    Both our Club and Raffles Family Office share a solid synergy in our embracing and nurturing family legacy and heritage. We believe this partnership will undoubtedly support both brands’ aims to expand their horizons in Asia, Giorgio Ricci, chief revenue officer of Juventus, said in an announcement.

    Founded in Hong Kong in 2016, Raffles Family Office currently has a 72-strong team across Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei and Shanghai.

    Juventus begins its defense of the Serie A title on Sunday with a visit from Sampdoria.

  • Football club PSG opens retail store in South Korea

    Football club PSG opens retail store in South Korea

    Football club PSG has become the first European side to open a retail outlet in Seoul, South Korea’s capital city.

    The new store – which is described as a pop-up but looks rather long-term to us – was organized with local football magazine Over the Pitch. It will sell a range of branded goods, including food-and-beverage items, sports products, and entertainment, with a number of exclusive items available only at Seoul.

    “Seoul has long been a key target city for Paris Saint-Germain, a core pillar of our international strategy, and so we are thrilled today to step up our commitment to the market and become the first European club to launch an official store in Korea, with this innovative retail concept,” said the club’s head of diversification and merchandising Fabien Allegre.

    “Seoul and Paris go hand in hand as two iconic cities, and we enjoyed our successful collaboration with Over the Pitch during our previous PSG tour in Miami.”

    The venue, which opened last week, includes the licensed store, a themed cafe, and a display of the team’s football jerseys.

  • Liverpool FC opens store next month in Singapore

    Liverpool FC opens store next month in Singapore

    The first Liverpool FC Singapore store will open its doors next month, the football team’s second shop in Southeast Asia after Bangkok.

    Singapore’s Reds fans can find their favourite merchandise such as football jerseys at the new store, located at Bugis Junction shopping centre.

    Earlier this month, the store has announced via Instagram that it is looking forward to the opening of the Liverpool FC’s first official store in the city.

    “Bugis Junction is the 10th LFC Official Club Shop after Anfield, Williamson Square, Chester, Liverpool One, Birkenhead, Dublin, Belfast, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok,” wrote a Zulkiflee Marzuki on Facebook.

    Another store in Kuala Lumpur ceased trading in March 2019.

    The store’s exact opening has yet to be disclosed.

  • Economic Boost Paying Dividends for J-League and Japanese Soccer

    Economic Boost Paying Dividends for J-League and Japanese Soccer

    Enjoying something of a revival in recent years, Japanese soccer and the J-League once again appear to be the leading light in Asia. However, it’s not only in Asia where the competition is hitting the headlines, with high-profile signings at Vissel Kobe capturing the imagination of soccer fans in Europe and beyond over the last year.

    Since being taken over by e-commerce giant Rakuten in 2014, Japanese side Vissel Kobe has commenced a campaign of star-studded international signings. First to arrive was German star Lukas Podolski, who currently captains the side. Rakuten’s sponsorship deal with Spanish giants, FC Barcelona, has also helped the club sign two more previous World Cup winners. Andres Iniesta arrived last season and David Villa joined for the start of the 2019 campaign, accompanied by former Spain Under-21 international, Sergi Samper.

    Having such star players in their team often makes Vissel Kobe amongst the most popular sides to back in the J-League betting at William Hill, although much improvement in performances and consistency will be needed if they’re going push for silverware this season. Despite the high-profile signings, the team disappointingly finished the 2018 campaign in tenth position; closer on points to the relegation zone than those who finished in the top three and qualified for continental competitions.

    Vissel Kobe haven’t finished higher than 7th in the J-League since the Rakuten takeover, a position achieved in 2016. However, rather than being regarded as a failure of their own, it is perhaps a reflection of the growing competitive strength of the J-League as a whole, given the success other teams have achieved during the same period. It’s also no coincidence that such success has come since the competition itself received a crucial financial boost in 2016.

    During the summer of 2016 the J-League sold domestic online broadcasting rights to UK-based media company, Perform Group, in a deal estimated to be worth $2 billion according to the Asian Times, for a package set to last for ten years. Such an important economic investment in the J-League has inevitably filtered amongst the clubs, with all of them likewise making investments of their own, improving the quality of their playing rosters and club infrastructures.

    Of notable importance since that deal was struck, the competitive profile of the J-League and demand for increased coverage to international audiences, have both raised significantly. Having previously fallen behind leagues in South Korea, China, the Middle East and Australia, both economically and competitively, Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds won the 2017 AFC Champions League. Last season in 2018, Kashima Antlers achieved the same feat.

    Renewed success on the pitch, combined with the arrival of high-profile soccer stars from around the world, has genuinely revitalized the J-League on and off the pitch. Significantly, and having been on the decline previously, fans are once again packing stadiums. Attendances have continued to rise over the last couple of years, which is also proving to be a boon for club merchandising efforts and local businesses alike.

    Now that Japanese soccer appears to be firmly back on the map once again, further growth and further investment is expected as star-named players increasingly opt to play in the J-League, as opposed to the MLS in the United States, the Australian A-League, or the Chinese Super League. There’s still some catching up to do in terms of the financial wealth of the Chinese game, although the improved strength and attractiveness the Japanese competition now seems to boast once again, is undoubtedly proving itself to be hugely appealing.

  • GCX, BMC UK facilitate live broadcast of World Cup

    GCX, BMC UK facilitate live broadcast of World Cup

    Reliance Communications’ Global Cloud Xchange (GCX) subsidiary and Broadcast Media Communications (BMC UK) have teamed up to deliver end-to-end connectivity for the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2018 to audiences around the world.

    The tournament kicked off in Russia on June 14. This event will be carried across GCX’s network, via BMC, from Frankfurt to the London Broadcasting House of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and used exclusively by BBC Sport to broadcast the matches to British audiences.

    GCX’s end-to-end network solution will provide fast, dedicated and reliable connectivity, enabling BMC to deliver live video contributions into BBC’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup, as well as active monitoring of the transmission over GCX’s global network, ensuring consistent broadcast quality for global audiences.

    FIFA World Cup matches are among the most watched and followed sporting events in the world, especially important for soccer fans across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. It is, therefore, critical for us to provide these fans with smooth, uninterrupted access to the game,” said Lee Russell, operations director at BMC UK.

    “With GCX’s expansive Global Network and its proven media capabilities, we are confident that we will once again deliver an unrivaled viewing experience to our viewers.”

    “We are delighted to partner with BMC UK again to provide high-quality connectivity, enabling live broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup to global viewers who can enjoy this highly anticipated event,” said Mark Russell, managing director, GCX International.

    “The broadcast from Frankfurt to BBC London Broadcasting House is being facilitated through the integration of GCX’s privately-owned Global Network with BMC’s resilient Media Quality Network, tailored to meet the high-quality connectivity standards of sports, news and special broadcast events.”

    GCX’s privately-owned global network offers geographic coverage and the ability to provide both subsea and terrestrial connectivity across the globe, optimized for the high-performance delivery and distribution of content, typically required by media and broadcasting companies.

    The FIFA World Cup concludes with the Finals being held at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018.

  • McDonald’s to screen World Cup 2018 matches

    McDonald’s to screen World Cup 2018 matches

    After news of three local broadcasters bringing World Cup 2018 to Singapore, local organisations have also started revealing their plans to screen the matches with SAFRA and McDonald’s among those committing to do so.

    SAFRA, for instance, told Channel NewsAsia on Thursday (Apr 26) that it will be screening the football matches at all its clubs. Its members can also receive a “fun pack and enjoy exclusive premier members seating” during the live screening of the matches, SAFRA said.

    It will not screen all matches though, it later clarified.

    SAFRA had screened matches at four of its clubs the last time the international football competition was held in 2014.

    SAFRA also said food and beverage (F&B) vendors will offer “special treats and promotions” during these screenings. It will be organising football clinics at selected clubs during the same period for parents and children to pick up some skills, it added.

    Meanwhile, the People’s Association (PA), when asked of its plans, said in an email: “We are exploring with the telcos and will keep you updated.”

    It had screened the football matches live and for free at 30 Community Clubs in the previous edition.

    As for F&B establishments that regularly broadcast sports, they are also firming up their plans for the upcoming World Cup, which is being held in Russia from Jun 14 to Jul 15.

    McDonald’s told Channel NewsAsia: “In the spirit of our global FIFA World Cup sponsorship, we will be screening selected World Cup matches in 22 of our restaurants across Singapore.”

    Harry’s is another that intends to screen the football matches this year.

    Ms Hannah Teo, senior manager for sales and marketing at Harry’s International, said it will screen all 64 matches, but some of its outlets may not show the 2am games.

    “It also depends on the broadcasting commercial fees which have yet to be announced,” she added.

    Brewerkz, too, shared that it intends to show the matches at selected outlets, but most likely not all the matches. “We have not made a final decision at the moment,” a spokesperson said in an email.

    She added that they are still waiting for the pricing to be revealed.

    Mediacorp, which is broadcasting the matches on its Toggle platform, said the package price for corporates start from S$2,876.16 but this depends on screen size and when they sign up. It is the standard pricing for all broadcasters.

    For those signing up for the Toggle 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Pass for Standard Screen (up to 50 inches), the early bird pricing is S$2,876.16 for the first screen and S$2,020.16 for each subsequent screen, the local broadcaster said. The early bird promotion will be until May 22, similar to the deadline for consumers.

    Those looking to sign up for the pass for larger screens of 51 inches to 99 inches, the early bird price is S$5,016.16 for the first screen and S$3,090.16 for each subsequent one, it added.

    Once the early sign-up period ends, prices for the Standard Screen is S$3,090.16 for the first screen and S$2,020.16 for each subsequent screen. Similarly, it is S$5,230.16 for the first screen and S$3,090.16 for each one after for those with 51 inches to 99 inches television sets.

    As for the package for Indoor Public Screens, for screen size of 100 inches and above, the fee is S$5,230.16 per screen with no early-bird promotion pricing.

  • Aguilas ink pact with Cebu Pacific

    Aguilas ink pact with Cebu Pacific

    THE Davao FC Aguilas travel a lot. With the 2018 season of the Philippine Football League already under way, the Aguilas having a national carrier as one of their sponsors is a blessing indeed.

    General Manager Michael Shaw said the team is very grateful after Cebu Pacific came forward to help as their main sponsor in their coming home-and-away games.

    “In terms of the PFL format, the matches are home and away and definitely signing a sponsorship agreement with Cebu Pacific helps,” said Shaw after a signing an agreement with Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Distribution at the Cebu Pacific’s head office (8007 Domestic Rd in Pasay City).

    The Aguilas currently have a 2-2-2 win-draw-loss record and they are close to making it to the AFC Cup Group Stage.

    They have games set in Bacolod, Tagum City, Cebu City, Marikina City, Iloilo City and Binan City.

    “It’s a privilege to partner with a team that represents Davao. We’ve always been associated with Cebu. And it’s important that we spread our wings and sponsor teams that are from other parts of the country,” said Iyog.

    The team’s players include Phil and James Younghusband, goalie Nick O’Donnell, Ronilo Bayan Jr., Matthew Hartmann, Simone Rota, Brad McDonaldo and Jason de Jong.

    They also have James Younghusband, Angel Guirado.Harry Sawyer, Phil Youghusband, Takashi Odawara, Jorrel Aristorenas, Josh Grommen, Omar Khan and James Hall, among others.

    Ceres of Cebu currently leads the standings with three straight wins.

  • Iflix is going to live stream soccer games in a move to outflank Netflix

    Iflix is going to live stream soccer games in a move to outflank Netflix

    Southeast Asian Netflix competitor Iflix is playing a new game: it’s going to start streaming live sports events. That’s uncharted territory for the Malaysian on-demand video platform. Netflix, which launched in several Southeast Asian countries late last year, has so far avoided going down that route.

    Iflix announced today it will launch this feature in Indonesia first – its largest market, where it launched in June 2016. Iflix will live stream all matches of Indonesia’s first and second soccer league, in partnership with local broadcaster TVOne. It’s not the only tech startup associating itself with the sport.

    TVOne is a free-to-air channel known in Indonesia for its news and sports programming.

    Live streaming runs against what on-demand platforms typically stand for, as they’re fixed to a particular time and schedule.

    In 2015, Netflix content boss Ted Sarandos told that live events don’t fit with Netflix’s watch-anytime model. Users subscribe to Netflix to watch movies, TV shows, or documentaries whenever they please.

    But Sarandos didn’t rule out the possibility of Netflix eventually changing its attitude.

    Amazon’s already doing it

    Amazon recently entered live TV broadcast territory in the US by live-streaming 10 NFL games, in a deal that cost US$50 million.

    Major social networks like Facebook and Twitter are also showing interest in the event live-streaming business.

    Outrunning Netflix

    What Iflix plans to gain from streaming sports events was not addressed in today’s press release. It may be an incentive for users to give the service a try – but the first and second league matches are also available on free TV, and live streams are found on YouTube and other sites, for those who prefer to watch on computers or smartphones.

    But while streams of some matches may be available on other sources online, “these are not always consistent nor reliable,” argues an iFlix spokesperson.

    The startup last reported 5 million subscribers across all markets – but raising that figure isn’t the most important target for now. “Iflix is focused on measuring viewership and usage, rather than subscriber numbers,” says the spokesperson. By introducing the soccer league, the startup intends to demonstrate its commitment to offer localized content for Indonesian viewers.

    Soccer, especially the local league, is growing in popularity in Indonesia and seems to have overcome some of its major challenges, like corruption.

    Iflix isn’t the only tech startup associating itself with the sport. Local unicorn startups Go-Jek and Traveloka are the main sponsors of the first and second league.

    Founder Patrick Grove is likely happy that his firm is outpacing Netflix in this regard. In an interview with us, he said his main weapon to stay competitive is speed. He wants to secure a firm footing in emerging markets, one that’s impossible to dislodge.

    Iflix and other Southeast Asia-focused streaming sites like Hooq have been able to address regional customer demands faster than their US competitor. Knowing internet connections in the region are often slow and unreliable, both sites offered subscribers the option to download a few titles for offline viewing.

  • Go-Jek secures title sponsorship right for Indonesia’s top soccer league

    Go-Jek secures title sponsorship right for Indonesia’s top soccer league

    Local online transport and services app Go-Jek announced on Tuesday its partnership with PT Liga Indonesia Baru to become the title sponsor for the country’s top professional soccer league for the 2017 tournament season.

    The company expects the partnership will help popularize its distinctive service solutions to cater activities related to the soccer league, such as providing transport to and from games using its Go-Ride and Go-Car and purchase of game tickets through Go-Tix.

    “We are excited to become part of Liga 1’s management, as we feel that soccer has become a widely loved sport that is able to unite all layers of Indonesian society,” Go-Jek CEO Nadiem Makarim said in a statement.

    “We also see the economic enthusiasm by the people surrounding the tournaments themselves, which is in line with our mission to empower Indonesia’s micro-entrepreneurs and small businesspeople.”

    Liga 1, previously known as the Indonesia Super League, will kick off this year’s season on April 15, with 18 participating teams, including Arema FC, Bali United, Barito Putera, Madura United, Mitra Kukar, Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta.

  • Indonesia wants Mourinho to coach football team

    Indonesia wants Mourinho to coach football team

    Indonesia wants to hire Jose Mourinho to coach its national football team, the country’s minister of Youth and Sports said on Tuesday.Dutchman Guus Hiddink is their second preferred candidate. Hiddink replaced Mourinho ona a part-time basis at English club Chelsea midway through the ongoing season, reports Efe.”This plan has been discussed with President Joko Widodo and the Chairman of the Indonesian Olympics Committee, Erick Thohir, even though this won’t be easy,” minister Imam Nahrawi said, according to the Antara news agency on Tuesday.

    The sports minister acknowledged that the salary of Portuguese coach Mourinho could be a problem, as he charges around $17 million per season.Hiddink is said to be more affordable.Mourinho is scheduled to coach team FIFA legends in a friendly match on Wednesday against stars of Mexican football to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca stadium.

    World football governing body FIFA last year suspended the Indonesian team due to government interference, which will prevent it from participating in the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asia Cup qualifiers.