The German Football Association (DFB) and adidas have inked a
long-term extension of their partnership of more than 50
years until the year 2018. The extension of the agreement is the result
of a settlement which the Arbitration Court had advised both parties to
reach following detailed and intense negotiations. Under the new
endorsement agreement, adidas will remain Official Outfitter of the DFB
until the end of 2018 and will continue to supply the complete ranges
of match, training and leisure apparel for all DFB teams.
Moreover,
the new agreement focuses on supporting further development of football
in Germany on all levels in a sustainable way. This includes intense
collaboration with the football associations on a regional level,
promotion of young talents, cooperation in numerous social projects as
well as involvement in the setting-up of mini pitches.
“The
cooperation between adidas and the DFB is undeniably something very
special. There are only few other examples in the world of such a
strong and proven partnership between a company and a federation. I am
glad to see one of the longest and most successful partnerships in
sport continue with this new agreement,” said Herbert Hainer, Chairman
and CEO of adidas AG.
Dr. Theo Zwanziger, DFB President,
stated: “The DFB is looking forward to continuing the cooperation with
adidas. In addition to our national teams – which will always be in the
spotlight with their successes in sport – new social projects and
initiatives will also be supported within this proven partnership in
the future.”
Together, the DFB and adidas look back on a
partnership of over fifty years, highlighted by joint successes such as
the three World Cup titles of 1954, 1974 and 1990 as well as winning
the European Championships in 1972, 1980 and 1996.
The AP is reporting that the DFB accepted adidas' offer over an offer from Nike that was worth nearly twice the amount.
