Vincent Tan’s FK Sarajevo has joined Barcelona, Manchester United, Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund as a recipient of sponsorship from the fast-growing Turkish Airlines in a three and a half year deal reported to be the most lucrative ever in Bosnian sport.
The deal, which will see the airline’s name on the club shirt, was announced at a ceremony in Sarajevo at which Dino Selimović, General Manager of the club, owned by Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan, said: “It is my great honor and pleasure to speak first on behalf of Sarajevo FC during a historical press conference in a time when national companies are not in position to help sports.
Turkish Airlines also acknowledged the historical significance of the deal. Ahmet Salih Kansu, Director for Bosnia and Herzegovina said: “I am happy because we signed the contract. I am particularly glad that we did it with a Club from the Balkans because we have strong historical connections with this region.”
Ziya Taskent, Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Sales for the region said: “Because of our historical, cultural and economic ties, Sarajevo is more than just a destination. On the other hand, football is much more than just a sport. We all know that football is the thing which unites all people in the world no matter what. Today we are at the place where the two world brands will sign their cooperation in front of you.”
By Mark Baber
(Source: insideworldfootball)
