Football Partnerships

Football Partnerships podcast

Football Partnerships welcomes Neel Shah, Sports Marketing Associate at Dentsu

Listen here on Football Partnerships, or subscribe to the show via iTunes by searching the podcast directory for ‘Football Partnerships’. Please note that the recording is best heard via iTunes, as some browsers disrupt audio transmission.

 

 Episode 60 [33:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (280)

By Alex Kotler

Let’s go to the videotape! Really.

FIFA, global football’s governing body, has revealed that it will consider the merits of goal line technology at an upcoming meeting in March. Video replay would not, however, be implemented in time for this summer’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking to Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick, FIFA President Sepp Blatter admitted that he is “not absolutely against it,” and that “if the technology is ready to adopt, then [FIFA would be] in agreement.”

Perhaps the Irish will then have reason to thank the French and adore Thierry Henry.

Let’s get feasible…. Let me hear somebody talk

According to today’s Soccerex Business Daily, the Maryland Stadium Authority will conduct a $100,000 feasibility study to determine whether or not MLS side DC United should consider relocating to Baltimore where a 17,000-20,000 capacity soccer specific stadium would be constructed.

The Maryland Stadium Authority has previously evaluated the economic benefits of locating a Major League Soccer stadium in Prince George’s County.

Will DC United fans approve of having their team relocated?

View the results of the Prince George’s County study

Glazers vs. Sliders

Despite a spirited protest by its supporters outside of Old Trafford, English Premier League side Manchester United have successfully raised £500 million through a bond issue. The move will cost the club £54 million, according to newspaper reports.

To put the expense in perspective, fans could enjoy over 103 million White Castle sliders (with cheese) for the value of the debt issuance.

Eurosport to partner with the WPSL

Eurosport, one of the world’s best known soccer merchandise and apparel companies, has joined Molten as an official partner of the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

The deal will see Eurosport increase its presence on all WPSL digital properties, including team and league pages. The facilitator of the deal, Cheryl Stokes, who is currently President of the Maine Tide, will now serve as Director of Business Development & Sponsorships for the league.

Learn more about the WPSL.

Putting an Arena in the Hall

Former US National Team Coach and current Coach and General Manager of MLS side LA Galaxy Bruce Arena has been elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame as a Builder.

Arena led the University of Virginia to five titles, DC United to two, guided the US men to the best finish in 72 years at the 2002 World Cup and guided the LA Galaxy to last year’s MLS final.

Learn more about Arena’s achievement.

Football Partnerships podcast

Football Partnerships welcomes John Guppy, President & Founder of Gilt Edge Soccer Marketing

Listen here on Football Partnerships, or subscribe to the show via iTunes by searching the podcast directory for ‘Football Partnerships’. Please note that the recording is best heard via iTunes, as some browsers disrupt audio transmission.

 

 Episode 59 [32:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (178)

By Alex Kotler

Demolishing symbols of extravagance

Portuguese officials have announced the demolition of Euro 2004 stadia in Aveiro and Leiria, citing a lack of revenue to sustain operating costs.

“It’s very difficult to service debt on something that doesn’t create wealth or represent a public good,” said Augusto Mateus, a former economy minister. Joao Cesar das Neves, an economics professor at Lisbon’s Catholic University, went further by calling the stadia symbols of wasteful spending.

Subsequently, plans to erect a monument to Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal Madeira have been scrapped.

Learn more about the fate of Portuguese stadia

Shirt deals! Shirt deals!

According to Soccerex Business Daily, English Premier League side Birmingham City have signed a five-year deal with Xtep International Holdings, a Chinese sportswear manufacturer. The club, owned by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, will receive $11.6 million from Xtep, which replaces Umbro as the official kit supplier.

Elsewhere, Dutch Vitesse Arnhem has reportedly signed a new deal with real estate portal Zuka.nl as the club’s main shirt sponsor. The EUR 1 million comes at a crucial time for Vitesse, which is struggling financially.

Slightly more about Vitesse

Where’s the Beef? Atop Arsenal

Arsenal FC of the English Premier League have announced the appointment of Angus Kinnear as Marketing Director. Following a period of internal restructuring, Kinnear will step up from his previous role as Head of Marketing.

More on the organizational structure with the Gunners

Locking horns with the quake

New York Red Bulls defender Seth Stammler is doing his part to aid victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Stammler’s Sporting Chance Foundation is diverting resources, which usually go toward the provision of education and potable water, to assist rescue efforts.

One Red Bull who isn’t taking any

Hammering out a deal

Former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan have reportedly purchased a 50% stake in the club, sending Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes home empty handed.

The new owners have pledged to keep manager Gianfranco Zola in place, and intend to hire Karen Brady - also formerly of Birmingham City - as vice chairman.

Most fascinating about the deal is that Fernandes conceded defeat via Twitter.

Read about how the deal was nailed down

Football Partnerships podcast

Wolf Blizzard, guest host of Football Partnerships, introduces the 76er Mixer with Alex Kotler.

Listen here on Football Partnerships, or subscribe to the show via iTunes by searching the podcast directory for ‘Football Partnerships’. Please note that the recording is best heard via iTunes, as some browsers disrupt audio transmission.

 

 Episode 58 [28:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (140)