MasterCard agrees deal with Saudi football league

The Saudi professional football league has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with MasterCard for it to become the official card of the league from the 2010-11 season.

The deal sees MasterCard team up with an Arab Asian football league for the first time, signalling its intent to be involved in football on a global scale. MasterCard will also be the exclusive financial services sponsor to the Zain League.

CEO of the Saudi Professional League Commission (SPLC), Mohamed Al-Newaser, said: “This is a strategic collaboration with MasterCard, which is renowned for its international football commitment and long standing association with some of the world’s most famous football events including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and CONCACAF Cup.

“This sponsorship agreement demonstrates the attractiveness of the Saudi League to a leading multinational company like MasterCard.”

General Manager Middle East, MasterCard Worldwide, Raghu Malhotra, added: “MasterCard understands that football is a huge passion for the people of Saudi an we are therefore looking forward to working closely with the League as they continue to drive and enhance the football experience for Saudi football fans.”