SPORTS

Sony does not plan to renew FIFA sponsorship contract

November 25, 2014 11:11 IST

Sony Corp logo is seen on a miniature version of 'Brazuca', the official match ball for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Photograph: Reuters

Sony Corp does not plan to renew its sponsorship contract with FIFA, the governing body for world football, as the Japanese electronics maker needs to prioritise its restructuring efforts, people familiar with the matter said.

Such a move would follow Emirates Airline's announcement this month that it was ending its sponsorship of FIFA, a blow to the governing body as it investigates whether there was corruption in the bidding process for the next two World Cup competitions.

Sony has been a FIFA sponsor for the eight years to 2014 in a contract worth 33 billion yen ($280 million) (178.65 million pounds).

Sony on Tuesday said it was aiming to restructure its TV and mobile divisions further while targeting robust growth for its electronics devices division, which houses its growing image sensors business.

An official for the electronics conglomerate said he could not comment on future contracts.

The people familiar with the matter declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

USOC and Nike extend partnership through 2020

Athletes display the new Nike team outfits. Photograph: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

US sportswear company Nike will continue to sponsor the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and its athletes until the end of 2020, the USOC said on Monday.

The sponsorship extension includes providing footwear and apparel for American athletes at the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, and the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Nike will also outfit Team USA at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro as part of its previous contract with the USOC.

"Nike's mission is to provide inspiration and innovation to every athlete and this is another opportunity to show our continued support of Team USA athletes and the US Olympic Committee," David Schriber, Nike's vice president of marketing for North America, said in a statement.

Source: REUTERS
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