Kia Motors have agreed a deal to become an official partner of the UEFA Europa League.
The Korean car manufacturer have signed a three-year deal with European football’s governing body that will begin from the 2018-19 season and run through to the 2021 UEFA Europa League final.
Kia, who are also the official automotive partner of FIFA, have pledged to invite thousands of fans to UEFA Europa League matches.
“The UEFA Europa League presents us with the perfect platform from which to engage more closely with fans all over the globe, and enhancing Kia’s visibility as an exciting, dynamic brand for the young-at-heart” said Yong-Won Cho, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Kia Motors Corporation, at the partnership inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.
Kia plan to utilise their global reach to help fans outside of Europe engage with one of world football’s leading tournaments.
“Together we will harness the power to surprise by creating the first global UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour presented by Kia, which will be a fantastic opportunity to promote the competition and Kia’s core brand values,” said Peter Willems, Head of Marketing Activities & Sponsorship of UEFA Events SA.
“Each season the competition reaches a television audience of one billion viewers, 45 per cent of which live outside of Europe, so we value partners such as Kia Motors that have such a great reach.”
Former Milan, Inter, Chelsea, Lazio and Parma star Hernan Crespo also attended the event in his role as UEFA Ambassador.
“I am a huge fan of the UEFA Europa League. I have fantastic memories of playing in the competition and even lifting the iconic trophy in 1999,” said the former Argentina international.
“The competition goes from strength to strength and now with the support of Kia Motors, this is something that can only continue to accelerate. I wish every success to Kia Motors and to UEFA at the start of this fantastic partnership.”
