The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has signed a five-year contract with Continental, a German automotive manufacturing company, to sponsor three Africa Cup of Nations editions in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Anthony Davo, secretary-general of CAF, said this is the first time Continental are venturing into the African football competition which will involve many stars, especially after changing its time from January to June.
The agreement sees the Continental taking over the title name of the Best Goalkeeper Award at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Continental will also fit the team buses of all 24 teams at the 2019 AFCON similar to what the German company with its sponsorship of some football competitions.
“We are familiar with Africa, as the company has a factory in the continent,” Continental’s Regional Manager for Africa and the Middle East, Jon Ander Garcia, said.
“Our company has been sponsoring continental football competitions for 50 years, and the Africa Cup of Nations will be a great opportunity for the company to promote its products in the continent,” he added.
Garcia told Daily News Egypt that sponsorship AFCON in Egypt will help the company to learn more about the Egyptian football market. Based on this experience, the company will study the possibility of sponsoring the Egyptian Football Association or any local football club.
He refused to disclose the value of AFCON’s sponsorship contract, saying it’s huge and fits the African continent.
Continental’s sales increased in the fourth quarter of the year by 10% in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the company targets a 20% growth in Egypt by the end of this year, Garcia stated.
