BAIC Group named Official Automotive Partner for the Arabian Gulf Cup

BAIC Motor Corporation (BAIC Motor) has been named the Official Automotive Partner for the Arabian Gulf Cup 2024, in a deal brokered by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation’s (AGCFF) commercial agency, IMG.

The deal marks the first time there will be an Official Automotive Partner at the Arabian Gulf Cup, as the AGCFF continues to expand its commercial opportunities for partners. It follows the recent announcement that Zain Group has renewed its title sponsorship for the tournament’s upcoming edition, the ‘Khaleeji Zain 26’, which will take place in Kuwait between 21 December 2024 – 3 January 2025.

As the Official Automotive Partner, BAIC Motor’s brand will be present across key premium assets for the competition, including pitch-side LED screens and mats, digital and broadcast assets, along with car visibility in-venue during the tournament’s matches, among others.

Jassim Al-Rumaihi, Secretary-General of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, said: “Our partnership with BAIC is an important step ahead of the upcoming Gulf cup, as it brings together the passion of football with the capabilities of leading global brands. We believe this partnership will add a new dimension to our tournament and enhance the sports experience for fans, whether in the stands or through social media platforms. We thank BAIC for their support, and together, we look forward to reinforcing the tournament’s significance as a sports and cultural festival that unties the people of the region.

Mr. Wei Song, President, BAIC Motors added: “It’s a great honour for BAIC to become the Official Automotive Partner for the 26^th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup. We are inspired by the spirit of positivity, unity, perseverance and ambition that characterizes the Gulf people – values that closely align with the spirit of BAIC. BAIC stands together with the Arabian Gulf Cup, championing the power of sport to unite and inspire. May this partnership bring forth exciting new opportunities, growth, and unforgettable moments.

Adolfo Bara, SVP & Managing Director of Football Events at IMG commented: “BAIC Motor is an internationally renowned leader in the automotive industry and this partnership demonstrates the Arabian Gulf Cup’s appeal as a growing global asset and attractive football property. It’s also the latest example of how we’re working with AGCFF to develop new categories for brands and commercial partners to engage with the tournament and expand the Arabian Gulf Cup’s global footprint.”

IMG has a long-term commercial partnership with the AGCFF to market the media rights and sponsorship agreements for the Arabian Gulf Cup, through to 2031.

In addition to its partnership with AGCFF, IMG manages global sponsorship sales for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Football Club Internazionale Milano, Chivas De Guadalajara, the Leagues Cup, The Confederation of African Football (CAF), Deutscher Fussball-Bund (DFB), and the current World Cup titleholder Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA).