By Paul Osborne

Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer (left) and FIFA marketing director Thierry Weil celebrate the extension of their partnership during a ceremony at Barvikha Concert Hall in Moscow @Getty ImagesNovember 21 - FIFA and Adidas have agreed an extension to their long running partnership which will see the global sports brand continue as Official Partner, Supplier and Licensee rights for the FIFA World Cup and all FIFA events until 2030.


The announcement, made today during a ceremony in Moscow by Thierry Weil, FIFA Marketing Director, and Herbert Hainer, Adidas Group chief executive, ensures the German sportswear manufacturer will continue to supply the official match ball of the World Cup and gives the group broad licensing and marketing rights around the tournament.

"Without the support of long-term partners such as Adidas, it would simply not be possible for FIFA to host global spectacles such as the FIFA World Cup and to continue our work to develop football worldwide," said Weil.

"Adidas is an integral part of the FIFA World Cup story, quite literally featuring at the heart of the action at every tournament since the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

"We are delighted that this long-term strategic partnership will continue until at least 2030 and we are looking forward to writing new chapters of football history together."

The deal will eventually complete a 60-year partnership between FIFA and Adidas following its inception in 1970, when the World Cup was held in Mexico.

The deal ensures that Adidas will continue to supply the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup ©Getty ImagesThe deal ensures that Adidas will continue to supply the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup ©Getty Images



As well as the World Cup, the agreement gives Adidas similar marketing and licensing rights to a number of other major FIFA events, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the FIFA Under-20's World Cup.

Hainer believes it was a "natural step" for Adidas and FIFA to extend their long and successful partnership.

"Over the last 40 years, Adidas and FIFA have worked closely together to develop football worldwide," he said.

"Therefore, it was a natural step for us to extend one of the most successful partnerships in the history of sports marketing.

"We are happy and proud that our close relationship with FIFA will continue.

"This unique partnership and our extensive presence at all FIFA World Cups will help us to expand adidas' position as the leading football brand worldwide."

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