Poll: The Race for World Cup 2018-2022

Howdy everybody,
On December 2, FIFA will unveil the organising country of the World Cup 2018 and 2022. Sportcal put together a comprehensive document about the bidding countries, their strengths and weaknesses. The bidding process was a long mission where FIFA officials travel the world and visited the countries facilities.

El Clasico: 360° Football Marketing

Hi guys,
In less than an hour, El Clasico will kick off at the Nou Camp, Barcelona Football Cathedral. With approx 90,000 fans in the stadium and a couple of millions worldwide watching the game live, El Clasico is by far one of the biggest (and hottest) football clubs game in the year. It is also a fantastic display of marketing achievements on all angles.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Castrol Ambassador Interview

Hi all,
On 17 April, 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo, signed as Global Ambassador for the leading lubricants company, Castrol. The dynamic partnership between the superstar footballer and the market-leading brand will run until 2011. In his new global role with FIFA World Cup™ sponsors, Castrol, Ronaldo will be the face of Castrol football initiatives that will show the energy, motivation and determination that goes into delivering winning performances on the pitch.

I Am Playr; The Facebook Interactive Football Game

Hi everyone,
It seems that Facebook is the favourite social media platform to promote football products, events or interactive games. I am Playr is the first game where you experience the life of a football player through his eyes. This interactive gameplay includes a compelling story via several medias to give the user a unique experience.

Wembley Champions League Final: The Lions of London Visual Identity

Hi guys,
Yesterday, UEFA launched the visual identity for the UEFA Champions League final in Wembley on May 28. I was emphasising on the importance of a visual identity, be it for a product or an event. London-based design and branding agency Radiant Studios came up with an impactful design concept created specifically for the event.

Puma and Maradona Juggling with Facebook

Hi all,
Puma is focusing on sports lifestyle, but also gives a strong hommage to its sports icons. After launching a special collection for Maradona’s 50th birthday, Puma released a social media game on Facebook. The rules are simple: start or join a juggle and you have 30 minutes to pass the video on to a friend through Facebook.

Nike Town Oxford Circus: A Football Launch

Guys,
The iconic Oxford Circus Nike town reopened on November 8 after several weeks of refurbishment that makes it the largest Nike store in the world. The opening was launched with Didier Drogba, Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Ashley Cole and the great Carl Lewis! A multi-category store with a main emphasis on football.

Wembley Champions League 2011: The Importance of Visual Identity Design

Hi all,
Wembley is getting ready for the Champions League final on 28 May 2011. The visual identity will be unveiled by UEFA during a ceremony on November 25 in London. A visual identity is key in a marketing concept. It is a “must to have” piece in a global event or products and brings consitency, marketing impact and strong recognisation to name a few benefits.

A Captain Armband for Balotelli to Fight Against Racism; Symbolic not Efficient

Hi everyone,
Last Italy’s game against Romania was an open racism display from (some) Italy’s fans against Mario Balotelli. They showed a banner “No to a multi-ethnic Italy” along with the booing and monkey chants  these biggots were singing when Balotelli touched the ball. La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian sports newspaper, is lobbying to make Balotelli captain for the next Italy game against Germany.

Mesut Özil Celebrates 1 Million Facebook Fans with Special Boot

Hi everyone,
Football brands are often showing inspirational ways to engage with fans and promoting their products at the same time. Facebook is the perfect platform to “kill two birds with one stone”.

Puma Football Portfolio: La Roja now, Bafana Bafana soon?

Hi guys,
Puma football counts a new member in its portfolio. The Chilean National Team. The famous “Chi Chi Chi! Le Le Le! Viva Chile” will be sung by players wearing Puma kits. Counting already Uruguay among its members, Puma strengthens its presence in South America next to football giants Brasil and Argentina, sponsored respectively by Nike and adidas. Puma launched the Chile kits during the game against Uruguay yesterday.

November 17, 2010: The last Game of Les Bleus with 3-stripes

Hi everyone,
Today France will play a friendly game against England in Wembley. “Les bleus” will be wearing an adidas kit for the last time, as Nike will take over from January 2011. Nike agreed a seven-and-a half-season contract, worth €320 million deal to sponsor the French national football team from 2011. A €42.6 million deal per season.