FIFA in a deal with Visa

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Credit card giants Visa International have signed an eight-year exclusive partner deal with the world’s governing body for football, that will give Visa worldwide rights to a broad range of FIFA properties, including the World Cup and Women’s World Cup. The partnership – which will begin in 2007 and run until 2014 – will give Visa a higher level of association with FIFA than regular sponsors, giving it access to exclusive marketing assets, competitions, special events and development programs.

“As only Visa can, we will work with our extensive network of 20,000 member financial institutions to convey the zeal and excitement of football to hundreds of millions of Visa cardholders worldwide,” said Visa International president and CEO Christopher Rodrigues.  “This partnership will allow us to bring our cardholders programs that touch the very core of their passion for the game both globally and locally.  The FIFA Partnership truly delivers on Visa’s strategy of associating with the world’s best brands and complements our strong global brand position.”

Visa’s partnership with FIFA adds to the company’s high-profile association with other sporting events such as Olympic Games/Paralympic Games, Disney and Rugby World Cup.

Along with the World Cup and Women’s World Cup, Visa will also sponsor the FIFA Confederations Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Visa becomes one of six global organizations that will comprise FIFA's top tier of partners.