Allianz Forms Multi-Year Partnership With AFC

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- An international financial services company, Allianz and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today announced a multi-year pan-regional partnership. In a statement issued by Allianz Thursday, the partnership encompasses Asia's most important club tournaments including the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup and AFC Futsal Club Championships. Its chief distribution officer for Asia, Lars Heibutzki said he felt very proud to work with the AFC in supporting Asian football and noted that the partnership exemplified the distinct Allianz values of innovation, courage and excellence. "It also brings them to life by celebrating our footballers, fans and communities in the region," said Heibutzki in the statement. Meanwhile, Allianz's head of Market Management for Asia, Paul Groves said: "The partnership provides Allianz with a unique platform to support the huge segments of Asian society, for whom football is a passion and an essential part of life. "We see ourselves supporting the games both at the top championship level and in nurturing Asia's next-generation talents with our signature youth programmes." The exclusive category sponsorship extends and leverages Allianz's global football heritage to connect more deeply with its customers in key Asian markets, while significantly expanding its brand presence in the growth region. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, AFC is one of six confederations that make up FIFA, the International Football Federation. It comprises 46 member associations across Asia, Australasia and the Middle East, spanning a population of 4.27 billion. -- BERNAMA