Argentine Football Association connecting with SmartSoft Gaming in digital sponsorship

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AFA and SmartSoft Gaming
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The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has entered into its first European-only digital sponsorship with SmartSoft Gaming, in a deal that aims to strengthen the commercial presence of Argentinian football in Europe.

The deal comes as part of a concerted effort by the AFA to capitalise on the recent success of its football teams, particularly its men’s national team, which lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar last year.

SmartSoft is a Georgian-based gaming software company that provides innovative and high-quality virtual gaming experiences to players all over the world. SmartSoft describes itself as a pioneer of non-traditional casino games, and aims to transform such games into the mainstream for casino operators.

SmartSoft will help market Argentinian football to its European clientele through its various gaming products and software. This is tipped to include perks for SmartSoft customers, such as autographed t-shirts, match tickets and exclusive access to the national teams.

“Through this partnership with the Argentine Football Association and the Argentine National Team, we embark on a journey that unites passion and excellence, where the worlds of business and gaming converge with the magic of Argentine football,” SmartSoft Managing Partner Guga Gotsadze said via press release.

According to the AFA, the partnership signifies its intent to consolidate its global leadership position and connect with new markets across the world. Commercial and Marketing Manager of the AFA, Leandro Petersen, elaborated further on this.

“Over the last few years we have established a strategic vision and objective for our Association, to regain international prestige and global commercial attractiveness. This sponsorship agreement in the European territory with SmartSoft is the confirmation of our strategy,” Petersen added.

“Together with SmartSoft we will develop commercial and marketing actions both digitally and at international industry events, in this way AFA will be at multiple global events alongside the technology leader like SmartSoft.”

The unique partnership between the AFA and SmartSoft provides further evidence of the ways in which national football associations are building their commercial image on the international stage.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
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Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

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Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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