Hisense, which has suspended its shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange ahead of a major announcement according to Reuters and Bloomberg, has become an official sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The sponsorship, which is not believed to be linked to the share trading halt, will see Hisense engage in a number of global marketing and advertising activities in the lead up to the major global sporting event, including the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017.
“FIFA is delighted to welcome Hisense on board as an official sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. We look forward to working with them to promote the competition, particularly in China, where the company is market leader in consumer electronics, where the popularity of football continues to grow,” said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
Australia accounts for 71% of the Oceania region’s soccer audience according to FIFA, which Hisense say provides a strong opportunity for marketing both locally and globally to over 200 territories.
Hisense says its position as the market leader for televisions in Australia meant its designation as the ‘Official Television of the 2018 FIFA World Cup’ had come at the perfect time.
“The FIFA World Cup brings together the highest levels of competition and prestige in global football, making it the perfect sports event for us to be a part of. Millions of Australians tune in to the FIFA World Cup every four years, and for them to see Hisense as a key part of all that excitement is such a great opportunity for our brand both here in Australia and across the globe,” said Hisense Australia’s Head of Marketing Andre Iannuzzi.
