Suzuki fields ASEAN football sponsorship rights

Singapore - Suzuki Motor Corporation is now the title sponsor for the Asean football competition this year, the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008, formerly known as Tiger Cup.

"Sponsorship is the lifeblood of the game and we are fortunate to have secured a wonderful new partner," said AFF President He Tengku Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ahmad Rithauddeen. 

Its predecessor was considered one of the largest and most prestigious football games since its launch in 1996. A Suzuki spokes person said, "By supporting the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008, the company hopes to promote the sport in the region and enhance our brand image both in the ASEAN region and in Asia as a whole."

The biennial event will be co-hosted by Thailand and Indonesia in December following a five-team qualifying tournament in Cambodia in October. Organisers have also confirmed that a prize money of US$100,000 will be on offer for the AFF Suzuki Cup, the draw for which will be made in Jakarta on 27 August.

World Sport Group is the exclusive marketing partner of the ASEAN Football Federation, and the organisers of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

At press time Tiger could not reply immediately on why it decided to drop its title sponsorship rights.