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Tag: Mumbai City FC

  • Mumbai City FC’s sponsorship amount up by 50 %

    Mumbai City FC’s sponsorship amount up by 50 %

    MUMBAI: The fourth edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to kick-off in a day. From this year, ISL has moved from a three-month season to five months.

    Last year’s semi-finalist Mumbai City FC has upped the ante on its marketing and sponsorship this year. Talking to Indiantelevision.com Mumbai City FC CEO Indranil Das Blah says, “Sponsorship has been significantly better than the last three seasons. We sold our entire inventory and the sponsorship amounts have been increased by 50 per cent compared to last year. Mumbai City FC has added a whole bunch of new sponsors this season.”

    A close industry source informed Indiantelevision.com that the teams in the smaller markets have a sponsorship range of Rs 50-60 million and the teams in big markets including Kerala, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai and Kolkata have a sponsorship range of Rs 120-150 million.

    The title sponsor for Mumbai City FC is Ace Group since three years, back sponsor is Spicejet and on the right chest the jersey has OkSir, one of Indias advanced app-based service aggregators. The team is expecting to close four other sponsors. It is planning to increase sponsor list through licensing deals that will not be on the jerseys.

    Mumbai City FC is planning to go with outdoor and digital marketing this season. “We are concentrating a lot on digital marketing because our young audience spends more time on internet than on TV. For football, digital will be of paramount importance.  Our marketing is not focused towards generating revenue but to improve the Mumbai City FC brand,” says Blah.

    Globally, merchandising plays an important role in contributing to revenue. A report by Transparency Market research pegs the global licensed sports merchandise market to rise at a 6.2 per cent CAGR from 217-2025. It will hit a value of $49.6 billion by then from $29.26 in 2016. But the Indian market is yet to involve and overcome barriers like price sensitivity and piracy.

    This season, the team will increase fan engagement activities. Despite Mumbai’s propensity to pay more, the stadium tickets have been kept affordable so that students and children can come to watch the games. This season, Mumbai FC has launched a loyalty programme too. This apart, meet and greet with team members, contests and access to training sessions are on the anvil.

    The state of Indian sports being cricket-centric five years ago has today paved way for many others. “Today we can see more non-cricketing events doing well like football and kabaddi. Badminton, as a sport, is growing. Brands, sponsors, people in the federation and fans understand the development of the ecosystem. Globally, Brazil and India are the only two developed markets with one sport focus, football and cricket respectively,” says Blah.

    This year’s ISL has 10 teams with the first game between Kerala Blasters FC and defending champions Atletico de Kolkata, which is now called just ATK.  The latter surprisingly has no major sponsor.

    Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC and Goa FC club ownerships are backed by their own business entities. Jamshedpur FC is backed by Tata Steel (title sponsors), Tata Trust and Tata Motors. Bengaluru FC owners JSW have yet again retained the title, with Puma being the main associate. FC Goa is backed by Deltin Hotels, Goa. The hospitality group sponsorship brand owner Jaidev Mukund Modi is a 65 per cent stakeholder in the club.

     

  • Ola to ride as official cab partner for 4 Indian Super League teams

    Ola to ride as official cab partner for 4 Indian Super League teams

    MUMBAI: The personal transportation app Ola has jumped on board as the official cab partner of four teams playing in the on-going Indian Super League (ISL) namely Mumbai City FC, FC Pune City, Delhi Dynamos FC and Atlético de Kolkata. 

     

    Ola will also give away free VIP, VVIP and Hospitality passes for the games of these four teams on select days to Ola customers, straight from their app.

     

    Ola vice president Sudarshan Gangrade said, “Football is catching up as a major sport in the country with the formation of popular leagues like the ISL. The young and fast growing Ola user base has a large number of sporting enthusiasts and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with them. With this partnership, Ola users not only gain instant access to their favourite ISL matches, but also to convenient and hassle free mobility options to reach the venue- all from the Ola app.”

     

    Atlético de Kolkata secretary Subrata Talukdar added, “We are delighted to partner with Ola. Ola’s partnership will go a long way in helping us reach out to millions of fans across the country as well as solve the mobility issue for everyone coming to see the matches. Parking and traffic hassles can be significantly minimized with fans now being able to use Ola for reaching the match venues.”

     

    In another sports associations earlier this year, Ola was the official cab partner for five Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 cricket teams namely Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab.

  • UltraTech Cement associates with Mumbai City FC as its strength partner

    UltraTech Cement associates with Mumbai City FC as its strength partner

    MUMBAI: UltraTech Cement announces its association with Mumbai City FC, Mumbai’s franchise in the Indian Super League, as its Strength Partner. It aims to extend its support towards building the beautiful game in India with this tie-up.

     

    Football is fast gaining popularity in the country, and the success of the first edition of the Indian Super League is a testimony to it. Indian Super League achieved the rare milestone of having registered the highest average stadium attendance for any football league in Asia, and the fourth highest in the world in its first edition.

     

    Indian National team captain, Sunil Chhetri and Goalkeeper, Subrata Paul among others are the core players of Mumbai City FC. Nicolas Anelka, the marquee player-manager for Mumbai City FC, is a globally renowned footballer having plied his trade with top clubs in Europe including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, among others. Bollywood actor and football enthusiast Ranbir Kapoor is the co-owner of the team.

     

    The team’s logo is a reflection of a resilient fortress that depicts the strong and determined spirit of the city. It also depicts a train that is the lifeline of the city. The seven stars symbolize the seven islands that form Mumbai.

     

    “UltraTech has always been strongly connected with sports in India; be it cricket and now football. UltraTech, as a brand, signifies strength and beauty, which is what football as a sport stands for. Mumbai City FC has a strong mix of top national and international players and has a promising season ahead. Our association with Mumbai City FC is a step towards connecting with the youth of India through football, while also leveraging the rising popularity of the game as a brand,” said UltraTech Cement managing director O P Puranmalka.

     

    Commenting on this association with UltraTech Cement , Mumbai City FC team owner Ranbir Kapoor, said, “UltraTech Cement have been associated with sports teams in India for awhile now and it gives us a major confidence boost that they have ventured into football in India with Mumbai City FC. I am very glad to welcome them on board as our strength partner for this season.”

  • Mumbai City FC goes bejeweled by VelvetCase.com

    Mumbai City FC goes bejeweled by VelvetCase.com

    MUMBAI: VelvetCase.com, the largest marketplace for designer jewellery,is once again workingits charm in the sports guild! After their stint with ace Tennis Star, Serena Williams who had a record 2015 wearing ruby and diamond earrings from VelvetCase.com and Mumbai’sPro Kabaddi team U Mumba who got crowned champions for the 2015 league, VelvetCase.com is on a roll! They are nowpartnering with Mumbai City FC in the upcoming Hero Indian Super League 2015. Will their lucky charm work again, this time for Mumbai’s soccer team?
     

    Mumbai City FC is Mumbai’s franchise in the Hero Indian Super League and is owned by Bollywood actor and football enthusiast Ranbir Kapoor and chartered accountant Bimal Parekh. The team’s logo is a reflection of a resilient fortress that stands proudly, surrounding the logo that signifies the unrelenting, determined spirit of the city.
     

    VelvetCase.com along with their strong global network of over 200+ jewellery designers and brands has curated a capsule collection of merchandise for the Mumbai City FC that includescufflinks, pendants, earrings, keychains, etc. all made in pure silver.
     

    “We are delighted and proud to be the official jewellery sponsors of the Mumbai City FC. It gives me immense pleasure to be associated with Ranbir Kapoor, Sunil Chettri and the entire Mumbai team. In this second season of the ISL, I am sure the team will be a force to reckon with. VelvetCase is happy to extend its full support to celebrating champions in every field,” said Mr. Kapil Hetamsaria, CEO and Founder, VelvetCase.com at the occasion.
     

    In his statement on the partnership with VelvetCase.com, Ranbir Kapoor said “I am excited to have VelvetCase on board as our jewellery partner. The collection has come out real well and I am looking forward to seeing all our fans wearing these exclusive Mumbai City FC pieces merchandise. I surely will be!”
     

    The VelvetCase-Mumbai City FC collection of cufflinks, pendants, earrings, key chains, etc. has been designed by designers from New York, Italy and Mumbai and has received a positive initial response from consumers. Each piece is made in pure silver and is very stylish keeping in mind the modern consumer – collection is available to view and purchase at www.velvetcase.com/mumbaicityfc. Keep coming back since new designs will be added to the collection as the league progresses!
     

    “We are delighted and excited to have VelvetCase on board as our jewelry partner. The collection looks great and we look forward to seeing all our fans wearing these exclusive Mumbai City FC merchandise. Football themed jewelry, now that’s innovative and cool.” commented Mr. Indranil Das CEO Mumbai FC.

  • Mumbai City FC signs Tunisia’s Selim Benachour for ISL season 2

    Mumbai City FC signs Tunisia’s Selim Benachour for ISL season 2

    MUMBAI: In an effort to further strengthen the team, Mumbai City FC has signed Tunisia’s Selim Benachour for the Indian Super League (ISL) season 2. Benachour’s style of play and work ethics align with the team.

     

    Benachour, a Tunisian footballer, started his career with Paris Saint-Germain in 2001, as an attacking midfielder and stayed until 2005. In 2009, he moved to the Spanish La Liga side Málaga. Post his stint with Malaga, Benachour signed a two-year contract with the Cypriot club APOEL. He helped APOEL win the, 2012–13 Cypriot First Division.

     

    During the 2013–14 season, he appeared in two UEFA Europa League group stage matches for APOEL and won the Cypriot League, the Cypriot Cup and the Cypriot Super Cup. He was widely considered as one of Tunisia’s best players, an elegant play maker with range of passing and great vision while playing for Tunisia’s national squad in the 2002 World Cup. His technical ability and wealth of experience will be fruitful for Mumbai City FC in ISL season 2.

     

    Benachour said, “I am extremely happy to join forces with my former teammate, Nicolas Anelka. I am also very excited to be a part of Mumbai City FC in the ISL and all that this league has to offer. I heard a lot about the ISL and Mumbai City FC last year, and I cannot wait to start training with my new teammates.”

     

    In ISL 2015, Mumbai City FC, coached by marquee manager and player Anelka, start their campaign against FC Pune City on 5 October.

  • Mumbai City FC retains Andre Moritz for ISL season 2

    Mumbai City FC retains Andre Moritz for ISL season 2

    MUMBAI: Mumbai City FC has signed the attacking midfielder Andre Moritz for the second season of Indian Super League (ISL). Moritz was arguably the best foreign recruit of Mumbai City FC last season with three goals and a couple of assists in the seven matches he played.

     

    In ISL season 1, the 28-year-old Moritz was incredibly influential in the seven matches that he played for Mumbai, including the master class against FC Pune City, where his hat-trick led them to thrash their neighbours 5-0. He is a natural leader, good communicator and a bubbly character within the dressing room.

     

    Moritz played in the second tier English Championship for Bolton Wanderers and also has the experience of playing in the Turkish and Brazilian leagues. For Bolton, Moritz made 27 appearances, scored seven goals and provided three assists. Before joining Mumbai City FC, Moritz had represented the likes of Internacional, Fluminense and Crystal Palace. He had represented Pohang 11 times, as they finished 4th in the K-League regular season and has qualified for the Championship round which is to be played later this year. 

     

    Mumbai City FC owner Ranbir Kapoor said, “Andre Mortiz was one of the most effective players for us last season. His presence on the field made a clear difference and we are sure that he will have an even bigger impact this season. We are thrilled to have Andre back for Mumbai City FC.”

     

    Moritz added, “I’m overjoyed and thrilled to be back. The fans supported us till the very end last season and this year we want to give them enough occasions to cheer about. The team has a lot to prove this season and I am excited that I’m a part of Mumbai City FC again to ensure that it happens.”

     

    Moritz will be a part of the Nicolas Anelka coached side including India National team captain Sunil Chhetri, starting their campaign against FC Pune City on 5 October, 2015.

  • Hero Indian Super League 2015 to kickoff on 3 October; extended by 9 days

    Hero Indian Super League 2015 to kickoff on 3 October; extended by 9 days

    MUMBAI: Hero Indian Super League (ISL), which sparked a football revolution in India with its inaugural edition last year, featuring eight city franchises, renowned international footballing stars, coaches and a host of Indian talents, is all set to stage its second season starting Saturday, 3 October, 2015.

     

    The promoters of Indian Super League, Football Sports Development— a joint venture between IMG, Reliance Industries and Star India; has announced the fixtures for its second season, featuring 61 games spread across 79 days.

     

    The League stage will witness 56 games in a home and away format, followed by two-legged semi-finals starting 11 December, 2015 with the ‘Super Sunday’ final scheduled on 20 December, 2015 at a pre-decided venue to be announced at a later date. All the matches will kick off at 1900 hrs (IST).

     

    Chennaiyin FC will host the opener when they take on the might of Hero ISL defending champions Atletico de Kolkata on 3 October, 2015 at their home ground Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The action will then move to Goa the next day with FC Goa pitted against Delhi Dynamos FC, while fans in Mumbai will witness the ‘Maharashtra Derby’ on 5 October, 2015 when Mumbai City FC locks horns with FC Pune City at D Y Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

     

    The Hero ISL bandwagon will reach Kerala on 6 October, 2015 when last year’s runners-up Kerala Blasters FC play their first home fixture against NorthEast United FC. The newly laid pitch at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata will be put to test for its first big match night when Atletico de Kolkata tussle with arch rivals FC Goa on 7 October, 2015. Delhi Dynamos FC, FC Pune City and NorthEast United FC will host their first home matches on 8, 9 and 16 October, 2015, respectively.

     

    The inaugural year of Hero Indian Super League witnessed an unprecedented response in the history of Indian football, achieving a rare feat of being the fourth most watched football league in the world. For the first time in Indian football, globally renowned players like, Alessandro Del Piero, Nicolas Anelka, Robert Pires, Fredrik Ljungberg, David James, Luis Garcia, David Trezeguet, Elano Blumer and Joan Capdevila played alongside the best Indian football talents.

     

    Hero ISL’s first edition saw participation of footballers from 36 varied nationalities, including India; changing the way football was perceived in the country so far. The globally viewed tournament had 129 goals scored at an average of 2.11 goals per game.

     

    Over 1.5 million fans made their way to eight city based club’s home stadiums to witness this footballing event unfold. As per the data released by the broadcaster, the inaugural season of Hero ISL was watched by 429 million viewers on TV in India, which was more than 2.5 times of the viewership of 2014 FIFA World Cup.

     

    Talking of the engagement on social media, a release says, “The social media presence of Hero ISL has grown exponentially since the inaugural season with over 1.7 million ‘Likes’ on the League’s official Facebook page in addition to another 120 thousands that follow @IndSuperLeague on Twitter. The ISL website www.indiansuperleague.com has received 3.4 million unique visitors and over 28 million page views over the duration of the League with 32 million online views on www.starsports.com.”

  • Team Pune to kick start Hero ISL domestic player draft

    Team Pune to kick start Hero ISL domestic player draft

    MUMBAI: The Hero Indian Super League (ISL), on 21 July, conducted its ‘Clubs Sequence Selection’, based on which the central domestic player draft will be organised on 22 July and 23 July.

     

    IMG football vice president global business development Jefferson Slack was entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the selection through a lot pick in presence of all the Hero ISL club representatives.

     

    Among the six participating teams, Team Pune will be the first club to make its best player selection from the list of 84 Indian talents.

     

    Pune will be followed by Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Team Bengaluru, Atletico de Kolkata and Delhi Dynamos FC, in order. The seventh and eighth teams participating in the draft will be team Goa and NorthEast United FC. These two teams have retained their set of 14 domestic players from their respective I-League tie-ups Dempo sports club with Goa and Shillong Lajong football club with NorthEast United FC. Pre selected players will be announced as the draft progresses.

     

    The central player pool (CPL) proceedings will commence at 10 am on both the days, with each day featuring seven rounds of the draft.

     

    The league, co-promoted by IMG-Reliance and Star India and supported by All India Football Federation (AIFF), will have 84 Indian footballers in the central domestic player pool. The league has made provision of additional seven players in the central reserve pool to serve as replacement in case of injuries or other emergencies. 

     

    The CPL features a mix of seasoned, experienced senior national players and promising young talents from across the country. A total of 39 players have represented India at senior level and 22 of them are or have been a part of the national team set-up in the past two years.

     

    ISL through a statement said, “The central player pool boasts of a combined 750 plus national team caps, proving the imperative experience at international level. In addition, 75 players have played a major role in their respective I-League teams in the past three years, with 29 of them leading their clubs to top three finishes. Emphasis has also been given to promote young players and to provide them with required experience through Hero ISL with 17 signed players in the under-23 year age category. Two players also vaunt of playing on international soil for various clubs.”

     

    In terms of playing positions, the Hero Indian Super League has 27 attackers (forwards and wingers), 21 midfielders, 26 defenders and 10 goalkeepers. The pool includes 30 players on loan from four I -League clubs, as well as Free Agents who have been centrally contracted.