Hyundai are back!

FFA AND HYUNDAI CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP (see release below)

· In the first three years of the competition over 3.7 million fans have attended the 270 Hyundai A-League and Finals Series matches.

· Crowd Averages (including Hyundai A-League Finals Series)

Hyundai A-League 2005-06 – 12,046
Hyundai A-League 2006-07 – 14,051
Hyundai A-League 2007-08 – 15,523

FFA AND HYUNDAI CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Hyundai Motor Company Australia today announced that the car manufacturer’s successful naming rights partnership of the Hyundai A-League football competition will continue for an additional four years to the end of the 2011-2012 Season.

“We are delighted to announce that our partnership with our very good friends at Hyundai has been extended for an additional four seasons,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

“Hyundai was the first major partner to take the leap of faith and invest in the A-League before anyone knew what to expect from the new competition.

“Their faith and support has seen the partnership develop a sporting product that has captured the attention of fans not just in Australia, but around the world.

“The Hyundai A-League is now an established part of the Australian sporting landscape and we have Steve Yeo and his team at the Hyundai Motor Company Australia to thank for this success,” concluded Buckley.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Steve Yeo, was also equally proud to announce the extension of partnership.

“Our team at Hyundai Motor Company Australia and our national Dealer Network look forward to building an even stronger working partnership with the FFA and the broader Australian Football Community.

“As the founding sponsor of the Hyundai A League, our partnership with football in Australia has witnessed many changes including an increase in registrations, TV audience viewing numbers as well as crowd attendance at Hyundai A-League matches. Together we look forward to continue our important role in the further development of football in Australia.

"Globally, Hyundai is mid-way through a 14-year partnership with FIFA and our position as founding naming rights partner of the Hyundai A-League is an important part of this worldwide football support network by the Hyundai brand, " concluded Yeo.

Hyundai was the first partner of the A-League competition which was announced on 1 November 2004 with a four year agreement as the naming rights partner.

Hyundai’s partnership with Football in Australia extends across the whole of sport from the ‘Goals for Grassroots’ community program through to the support of the Qantas Socceroos and Matildas.

Hyundai also sponsored the successful Hyundai Club Challenge in November 2007 that saw an Australian record crowd (for a match between club teams) of 80,295 watch Sydney FC face LA Galaxy, including star player David Beckham, at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Today’s partnership announcement also coincided with the official release of the Hyundai A-League 2008-09 season draw, which features the first Saturday night Hyundai A-League Grand Final in the history of the competition.

The first round of the Hyundai A-League 2008-/09 season will kick off on Friday 15 August featuring the 2008 Grand re-match and local derby between reigning champions the Newcastle Jets, and the defending Premiers the Central Coast Mariners.

The intense rivalry continues on Saturday 16 August when Sydney FC host Melbourne Victory, while Sunday 17 August sees the Queensland Roar travel across to New Zealand to face the Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United hosts Perth Glory to complete the opening round.



Hyundai A-League Crowds Statistics

· In the first three years of the competition over 3.7 million fans have attended the 270 Hyundai A-League and Finals Series matches.

· Crowd Averages (including Hyundai A-League Finals Series)
o Hyundai A-League 2005-06 – 12,046
o Hyundai A-League 2006-07 – 14,051
o Hyundai A-League 2007-08 – 15,523