Azerbaijan Broadcaster Signs Three-Year Deal With ManU

ManU has signed a three-year partnership with Azerbaijan telecoms company Bakcell. Bakcell will become the club's first official telecoms and broadcast partner for Azerbaijan. Subscribers to Bakcell's official ManU mobile package will receive up-to-date club news, video highlights, ringtones and wallpapers. Bakcell will also have the rights to broadcast the club's official TV channel MUTV in Azerbaijan, giving fans access to player interviews and behind-the-scenes footage (ManU). REUTERS' Keith Weir reported the deal marks the club's "first sponsorship deal in a former Soviet country." A survey commissioned by the club revealed it has 659 million followers around the world, with about 1.68 million in Azerbaijan, a country of more than 9 million people (REUTERS, 10/15).