MG Motor UK backs Arsenal as Official Automotive Partner

Avatar
Image credit: MG Motor UK official website

Arsenal confirmed a multi-year agreement with car manufacturer MG Motor UK who is the Official Automotive Partner.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, MG will be there for Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams, and supporters will see their brand showcased on LED boards and screens at Emirates Stadium and Meadow Park.

A key component of this partnership is that both parties will work together to create engaging content designed to engage the club’s global supporter base. This is the most direct way to build up both brands and increase exposure which is the ambition of both organisations.

It becomes the third current car sponsorship in the league after Man City & Nissan as well as Man United and Chevrolet. Interestingly, it is only the seventh time ever a car company has sponsored a Premier League club, making it a rarity in this space.

MG Motor UK Commercial Director Guy Pigounakis spoke on the company’s focus on sports and in particular growing the women’s game.

“Joining Arsenal in our centenary year marks a significant chapter in MG’s story. We’re not just supporting a world-famous club; but aiming to drive forward the future of football by championing the growth of the women’s professional game and showing our passion for the greatest game on earth,” he said via www.arsenal.com

Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained how congruent both organisations were with each other’s long-term plans.

“We’re delighted to welcome MG to our family of partners. It’s a brand renowned for its history and heritage, but they also bring a forward-thinking mindset that aligns with our club’s ambitions,” she added via www.arsenal.com.

“In their centenary year, we’re excited that MG can become part of our own long-term growth journey, and we look forward to working with them to promote their range of leading sustainable electric vehicles.”

This is MG’s second partnership with a club in the Premier League after first announcing their collaboration with Liverpool in 2016. The manufacturer however is this time covering both the Gunners’ men’s and women’s team with their vision of playing a role in the growth of women’s football in the UK.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

Avatar
Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

Avatar
Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend