30.11.2018 – The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and IMG Reliance today announced an exclusive long-term understanding to develop and promote football and the Bundesliga in India. This will see the DFL and the Bundesliga clubs work towards the growth of Indian football through a series of activities throughout the year, in collaboration with multiple Indian stakeholders.

The Bundesliga is one of the most respected football Leagues in India with fans picking the Bundesliga as their second choice international football League. In order to grow Indian football, the DFL will work with IMG Reliance across a host of football development projects. These will include leveraging Germany’s unparalleled youth development system to launch grassroots activities across multiple states with the vision of elevating Indian football. In addition, the DFL will create deeper engagement with Indian consumers by organising visits from German football legends and current football stars, exhibition matches against German teams, match screenings and fan parks, so as to provide fans in India with unique opportunities to enjoy the Bundesliga. All such activities shall be promoted by IMG Reliance.

The DFL will also work towards extending Indo-German cooperation in the field of football by creating platforms and opportunities for Bundesliga clubs to explore technical and commercial partnerships in India.

Speaking about this, Robert Klein, Chief Executive Officer of the DFL’s subsidiary Bundesliga InternationalBundesliga International Bundesliga International markets the audiovisual media rights and central sponsorship and licensing rights and is responsible for marketing outside Germany. more , said: “Indian fans appreciate pure and authentic football which is why they really connect with our league, which prides itself on being ‘Football as it’s meant to be’. The most goals of any top flight European league, the best fan experience, amazing stadiums and the platform it provides for young talent all make the Bundesliga a fantastic proposition for India’s passionate sports fanatics.” He continued: “We are extremely excited to be part of the growth story of Indian football and look forward to entering into further strategic partnerships in India. Not only are we intent on offering fans in India the opportunity to experience the Bundesliga in myriad ways, we are also extremely keen to create more opportunities for Indian footballers to excel on the international stage.”

Mr. Srinivvaasan Gopalkrishnan, on behalf of IMGR, added: “We are delighted to have been appointed by the Bundesliga to help grow this powerful global brand in India. It is an exciting opportunity for us to work with a football league that has a long-term vision for what it wants to achieve and has the strength of conviction to back this desire with the required investments.”

IMG Reliance is a joint venture between global sports marketing leader WME|IMG and Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector enterprise which has interests in cricket, fashion, tennis and consulting. IMG Reliance will be leveraging its deep experience and knowledge of Indian football to create and then execute a road map for building the Bundesliga brand in India. IMGR will be responsible for organising promotional activities, providing offline and digital marketing services and supporting public relations in the region. In addition, IMGR will assist and facilitate market research for the Bundesliga, identify market trends, provide India-specific market insights and facilitate partnerships with key stakeholders in Indian football.