FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.05.2008 16:13

Historic agreement with US Soccer league

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona has become the first European football club to sign a long-term strategic agreement with the USA Major League Soccer (MLS). Vice-presidents Ferran Soriano and Jaume Ferrer signed the agreement on Thursday in New York.

FC Barcelona has agreed to play at least six friendlies in the USA during the next five years. In return, the Club is guaranteed a presence and permanent promotion of the Barça brand in the North American market. The first sporting engagements resulting from this agreement will take place this summer and will be announced next week. This alliance involves commercial activities, sponsorship, marketing and public relations.

A global brand

Club vice-president for marketing, Jaume Ferrer, stressed the importance of this alliance: “This agreement doesn’t just involve a number of friendlies but also gives the Barça brand a permanent presence in the US. There won’t just be commercial activities. We’ll also carry out social activities to spread the idea of ‘more than a club in the world’”.

For his part, Club vice-president for economic affairs, Ferran Soriano, told us: “Barça will support and strengthen football in the United States. Through this promotion we will also promote and support the Barça brand in North America. We are keen to capture sponsors and brands that, in the future, can associate with the name of FC Barcelona in the United States”.

The grandeur of Barça

MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement: “The FC Barcelona brand is known throughout the world for its great history, extraordinary footballers, dynamic playing style and successes. In addition, Barça has shown itself to be more than a Club thanks to its commitment to global causes. The MLS is delighted to help spread the history of FC Barcelona and the development of its brand in North America”.