Alessandro Del Piero Named Global Ambassador for 2015 Asian Cup

Soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero has been named global ambassador for AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.

The current Sydney FC player and Italian national team legend will help take Asia’s biggest football event to an even larger audience, doctor raising its profile beyond the borders of the world’s biggest region.

“I am very proud to be associated with the biggest football tournament ever held in Australia, therapy the country that has become my home for the past two years,” Del Piero said after his appointment was announced in Sydney on Tuesday.

“Asia is the fastest growing region in world football.

“To be given the responsibility of hosting Asia’s premier championship is a huge honour for Australia.

“To be given the responsibility of serving as global ambassador for that championship is a huge honour for me.”

Michael Brown, CEO of the AFC Asian Cup’s Local Organising Committee, said Del Piero’s stature in world football would help make Australia 2015 a truly global event.

“Alessandro is one of the giants of the game,” Mr Brown said.

“He has galvanised interest in the A-League over the past two years, and we hope his association with the Asian Cup will do the same for what is the second oldest continental championship in the world.

“Alessandro’s appointment extends the reach of our ambassador program.

“It complements the outstanding work of our Captain Ambassador Lucas Neill at national and Asian level.

“And of course, we have more than 200 community ambassadors around Australia who will help make this tournament a multicultural festival celebrating Asia’s rich football heritage.”