Marketing & Sponsorship

CAF, EC Partner For Continental Tournaments

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the European Commission (EC) have announced a formal partnership that will see the EC backing several of CAF’s flagship tournaments — including upcoming editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF African Schools Football Championship.

The agreement was signed in Cairo on Monday by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, marking a new chapter in Euro-African cooperation — and one that brings development diplomacy to the heart of the continent’s most popular sport.

The deal provides a significant platform for the EC to promote its €150 billion Global Gateway investment programme, designed to boost infrastructure, connectivity and education across Africa. By aligning with CAF, the EC aims to tap into football’s ‘unmatched reach’ — particularly among young people — to deliver on its soft power and development goals.

“This partnership reflects the mutual commitment of CAF and the European Commission to the growth of African schools and youth football,” said Motsepe. “It’s also a recognition of the significant progress we’ve made in governance, ethics, and transparency. We’re not just building competitions — we’re building futures.”

The partnership will link the EC directly to CAF’s biggest stages: AFCON 2025 in Morocco and AFCON 2027, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF African Schools Football Championship, which has ambitions to reach more than 33,000 schools across the continent.

EC President Ursula von der Leyen framed the agreement as part of a wider strategic bond between the continents: “The European Union is Africa’s largest trading partner and investor. But Global Gateway is more than just money — it’s about empowering young people and communities. Football is part of that.”

Síkela, who represented the EC at the signing ceremony, was more direct in linking the partnership to Europe’s broader political and economic aims. “This isn’t just about sport,” he said. “It’s about creating jobs, improving schools, and giving kids role models on and off the pitch. Football is the vehicle — but opportunity is the destination.”

Insideworldfootball.com

Related Topics:Confederation of African Football European Commission

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Soft2Bet Secures Divisionsforeningen Deal, Expands In Denmark

Online Malta-based bookmaker Soft2Bet has agreed a two-year deal with Denmark’s Divisionsforeningenin to sponsor the second, third and fourth tiers Danish football.

Soft2Bet will activate the sponsorship via its brands Betinia and CampoBet. The top flight will be rebranded Betinia Liga, while the second and third divisions will named CampoBet 2 Division and CampoBet 3.

No value was given for the sponsorship.

Betinia launched in Denmark in 2023 while the CampoBet brand debuted last year. Soft2Bet has expanded in the Scandinavian market having also launched in Sweden.

Oksana Tsyhankova, CMO of Soft2Bet, said: “With a strong focus on localised, responsible experiences through Betinia and CampoBet, we support both the growth of the game and the communities behind it.”

Soft2Bet will support local football initiatives, with a focus on talent development, fan engagement and youth participation.

Claus Thomsen, Director of the Divisionsforeningen, said: “The fact that there will now also be a name sponsor for the third and fourth best tiers is a tribute to all the work the clubs have done to deliver a fantastic product, create ever better conditions and increase awareness of the tier.”

Online casino and sports betting revenue in 2024 reached DKK7.27 billion (£811.2 million), according to SBC. Sports betting accounted for DKK2.21bn.

Insideworldfootbal.com

Marketing & Sponsorship

NLO, NTA Partner For Live Playoff Broadcasts

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening grassroots football development, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced a strategic broadcast partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to air its ongoing playoff matches live across the country.

The initiative, unveiled by NLO Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sola Ogunnowo, underscores the league’s commitment to expanding national access to the exciting action within Nigeria’s third-tier football structure.

With this deal, fans from all corners of the country will be able to witness the raw talent and fierce competition that define the NLO playoffs.

> “This live broadcast partnership with NTA is a major step toward deepening the reach and appeal of grassroots football,” Ogunnowo said. “The NLO playoffs represent the passion and raw talent we have across Nigeria, and we’re excited to share that with the entire nation.”

Full NTA Broadcast Schedule for NLO Playoffs:

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Na Royal vs. House of Prayer — 1 PM, LIVE from Bwari Stadium

JNR Danburan vs. Kano Ambassadors — 3 PM, LIVE from Gumel Stadium

Friday, June 20, 2025

Vet Rovers vs. Family Worship — 11 AM, LIVE from ABS Stadium, Kaduna

Kaduna United vs. DMD — Delayed transmission from Jos Stadium

Sunday, June 22, 2025

JNR Danburan vs. Clever Warriors — 1 PM, LIVE from Gumel Stadium

Zeal Minds vs. House of Prayer — 3 PM, LIVE from Bwari Stadium

Ogunnowo highlighted that the league’s partnership with NTA forms part of a broader vision to elevate the profile of emerging clubs and provide greater visibility for talented players aiming to climb Nigeria’s football hierarchy.

> “We’re not just organizing matches — we’re building a future for Nigerian football,” he said. “By enhancing fan experience through live broadcasts and working closely with our local organizing committees and media partners, we’re ensuring that our playoffs are delivered with top-tier professionalism.”

The NLO playoffs have become a vital showcase for spotting future football stars and offering clubs a stepping stone toward higher divisions in Nigeria’s football pyramid. This televised coverage is expected to amplify support for participating teams and attract potential investors and scouts to the grassroots game.

With nationwide viewership now guaranteed, the NLO playoffs are not just a tournament — they’re a celebration of Nigerian football’s next generation.

Sports247.ng

Marketing & Sponsorship

Atlético Madrid Opens ‘Casa Atléti’ In Tinseltown

Atlético Madrid have pitched up in the City of Angels with “Casa Atleti,” a multi-day brand circus that’s part retail therapy, part fan festival, and cleverly designed to separate Americans from their hard-earned dollars while competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup looming and every European giant scrambling for their slice of the American football pie, Los Angeles represents the perfect storm of Latino heritage, celebrity culture, and disposable income.

“Casa Atleti” isn’t just your average pop-up shop. There’s an official merchandise store, watch parties, meet-and-greets with club legends, and cultural events.

The programme reads like a festival lineup: daily coaching symposiums led by Atlético’s technical staff, live music, and food experiences. Several events, including watch parties for the matches, have already sold out according to the club’s official channels.

This isn’t just about shifting some shirts and signing up a few new Instagram followers. “Casa Atleti” is Atlético Madrid’s latest play in what’s becoming an increasingly crowded field – and of course competing with Real Madrid who have already cracked the U.S. market.

Whether “Casa Atleti” becomes a genuine foothold in the American market or just another expensive marketing exercise remains to be seen. But in a city built on selling dreams, Atlético Madrid are certainly speaking the right language.

Insideworldfootball.com