This isn't breaking news... but I just picked up on it! FC Barcelona have announced a new sponsorship deal... for the first time they will have a name on the front of their shirts... Oh shame I here you cry (well I think I heard it!?) they have been renowned for not giving into commercial pressure... But... this is a different kind of sponsorship... instead of Barca getting money from a company to advertise on the shirt... Barca are sponsoring UNICEF paying €1.5million to advertise the charity... They will wear the new shirts for the first time when they begin the defence of their Champions League title at home to Levski Sofia on Tuesday.
Futbol Club Barcelona and UNICEF today kicked off a global partnership to benefit children in the developing world. The first beneficiaries will be vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. During the announcement ceremony, the legendary sporting club unveiled its 2006-2007 jersey featuring the UNICEF logo on the front, the first time in the club’s 107 year history that a logo has been featuredfrom UNICEF
In addition to the UNICEF-branded jersey, Futbol Club Barcelona (FCB) has also agreed to donate at least €1.5 million per year to UNICEF over the next five years to support UNICEF programmes for children all over the world. The first year’s donation will support programmes in Swaziland aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, providing treatment of paediatric AIDS, preventing HIV infection among adolescents and protection, and providing care and support for children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.Ronaldo says"This partnership joining UNICEF and the Barcelona Futbol Club will help push open a door of hope to thousands of children," said Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director, during the announcement of the new partnership at the United Nations. “Barcelona shows us that sports can be a powerful, positive force for children.”
''For me it's perfect that the team is wearing this charitable logo and I hope people will take it as an example,''Well done Barca, OK they don't need the money from sponsorship, but to give cash as well as giving away the space is fantastic... there are at least two clubs in the UK who should feel a little uncomfortable with this!
what an interesting story, nice one barcelona!
Posted by: Ben | 16/09/2006 at 12:04
For real? WOW! I don't "do" football, heeheeee, I know, shame on me, right? But that is amazing news. Good on em!
Posted by: Zoe | 18/09/2006 at 13:57