Samsung Title Sponsor Austrian Soccer’s Domestic Cup

Electronics giant Samsung has become the new title sponsor of Austrian soccer’s main domestic cup competition, the Österreichischer Fussball-Bund (ÖFB).

The Korean company has signed a three-season deal with the ÖFB, believed to be worth a mid six-figure sum annually, which will see the competition entitled the ÖFB Samsung Cup.

Samsung will see its logo inscribed on the trophy under the terms of the agreement and will also have an extensive advertising presence through perimeter hoardings at cup matches.

Choi Bang-Seob, president of Samsung Electronics Austria, said: “Precision, the right technology and the will to always be the best link Samsung to the world of football.

“Through our commitment to the cup, we are showing social responsibility by returning some of the success the company has had in this country to the Austrian football community. Football unites, creates friendships and promotes sportsmanship, understanding and respect across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries.”

Samsung’s sponsorship comes into effect during next season’s competition and runs through until 2013/14 season, succeeding brewery Steigl, who had sponsored the cup since 2004.

This deal will see Samsung receiving considerable exposure on Austrian free-to-air television, as all ÖFB Cup games from the quarter-final stage onwards are televised across terrestrial channels ORF, ATV and Puls4. The winners of the competition are awarded Austria’s place in the third qualifying round of the Uefa Europa League.

ÖFB General Director Alfred Ludwig added: “Since Euro 2008, the cup competition has become more attractive specifically in financial terms. The new logo, the new trophy, the catchy slogan ‘Goals for Europe’ and the new kit designs have been very well received by the entire football family.

“The competition has now been discovered by television, really, as so far no less than seven matches have been broadcast live and in full on free TV. Even the coaches, official and players have become more aware of the competition than ever before, as it offers a great way to get into Europe with only six victories needed to reach the Europa League.

“Working together with our new main sponsor Samsung will work to make the cup even more attractive and we are proud to welcome a global corporation that is involved in international football into the family of partners and sponsors of the ÖFB.”