NEOM and AFC Announce Extended Global Partnership

NEOM, Saudi Arabia, July 10, 2024 – NEOM and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have extended their partnership until 2029 after a successful four-year collaboration.

Sponsorship Roles and New Initiatives

NEOM will continue as the Official Global Partner for AFC national team and club competitions and will be the Presenting Partner for the AFC Women’s Champions League, emphasizing their commitment to promoting women’s football across Asia.

Upcoming Events and Competitions

The partnership includes NEOM’s involvement in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals, with final matches in Riyadh in 2025. NEOM will also be the Presenting Partner for the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League, featuring the top 12 women’s clubs from Asia.

Champions of Progress Initiative

The extended partnership has led to the creation of ‘Champions of Progress,’ an initiative aimed at developing talent from grassroots to elite levels in AFC competitions, aligning with NEOM’s goal to become an innovative hub for sport.

Statements from NEOM and AFC Leaders

Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, highlighted the partnership’s role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of developing a healthy society with strong social bonds, and NEOM’s ambition to become an innovative sports hub.

Datuk Seri Windsor John, AFC General Secretary, expressed excitement over the extended partnership, reinforcing the AFC’s competitions’ appeal and the mutually beneficial outcomes expected from this collaboration.

Contribution to NEOM’s Development and Community Engagement

The partnership supports NEOM’s initiatives like the Shuhub Community Program, engaging 10,000 young people across Saudi Arabia. NEOM’s collaboration with AFC provides opportunities for local youth to participate in AFC matches and aims to continue developing future sports leaders through knowledge transfer and talent development initiatives.

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