Cristiano Ronaldo has a "unique pair of football boots to commemorate his latest accolade" -- the FIFA men's player of the year. The Real Madrid player collected the award at the London Palladium on Monday. In response, Nike "launched a new limited edition pair of football boots for him." The Mercurial CR7 Melhor "tips its hat" to the Portugal int'l (London DAILY MAIL, 10/24).
Serie A side
AS Roma announced a partnership with
Fratelli Rossetti that will see the footwear brand become the club's formal shoes partner. Fratelli Rossetti shoes will be worn by the team at all official club engagements during the '17-18 season (
AS Roma).
Brasileiro side Santos announced a two-year partnership with Umbro. The English sportswear brand will be the club's official kit supplier in '18 and '19, "taking over from Kappa when the Italian manufacturer's contract with the club expires at the beginning of next year." The financial terms were not disclosed (SOCCEREX, 10/23).
Everton's main shirt sponsor, SportPesa, apologized "for a tweet celebrating Arsenal's 5-2 win on Sunday." The defeat "left Everton in the relegation zone" and resulted in the dismissal of Manager Ronald Koeman. SportPesa, an African-based betting company that became Everton's main shirt sponsor in May, "appeared to revel in Arsenal's victory with a tweet sent from its account." The post has "since been removed" (SKY SPORTS, 10/24).
UEFA announced Japanese sports ball manufacturer Molten Corp. signed a three-year agreement to become the official match ball supplier of the Europa League. The partnership will start in the '18-19 season and run through the 2021 Europa League final (UEFA).
The Int'l Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation extended its media and marketing partnership with Infront Sports & Media for four years. The agreement means Infront will continue to manage worldwide distribution of all media rights for the men's and women's IBSF World Cup and World Championships in bobsleigh and skeleton, and be responsible for the marketing of major sponsorship packages (Infront).
Dongfeng Motor Corp. recently established its race team and named a sailboat under its Dongfeng brand to participate in the Volvo Ocean Race '17-18. The corporation signed cooperation agreements with China COSCO Shipping Group and Belgium SMT company, respectively (Dongfeng Motor Corp.).
UFC announced a multi-year global licensing agreement with mouthguard manufacturer OPRO. The partnership, which begins in '18 and was negotiated by IMG, grants the oral protection company the rights to produce UFC-branded mouthguards and provide bespoke guards to UFC athletes (UFC).
