Automobile manufacturer Kia has become the ‘Official Automotive Partner’ for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India. The manufacturer has supplied 68 vehicles across its product range to FIFA, to support the transportation needs at the event.
The vehicles, including 30 units of Kia Carens, 20 units of Kia Carnival and 18 units Kia Seltos were handed over to FIFA officials in a vehicle handover ceremony at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai held on October 7, 2022.
The ceremony was attended by Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India and Jaime Yarza, Director of Tournaments, FIFA.
Kia vehicles will be used by FIFA to transport national football teams, referees, match officials, delegates, and other VIPs during the entire event. Kia will also provide 24-hour roadside assistance to FIFA, throughout the tournament.
Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, “We are extremely proud to be associated with FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 as the official automotive partner. With the rising popularity of football in India, this partnership made a natural fit here. FIFA tournaments are followed by millions of football fans worldwide and associating with such platforms allows us to reach out to Kia enthusiasts on a large scale. Kia and FIFA have been long term partners and being a part of this event in India has been an absolute privilege. With a passion for sports, Kia India is committed to support such global tournaments by offering its world class products that cater to the mobility needs of one and all.”
Yarza said, “Kia has been a trusted partner of FIFA since a very long time, and we are excited to team up with them once again for the U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022. Kia understands our transportation needs and have an important role to play in the operational success of the event. We are confident that this partnership with Kia will help both reach out to a wider audience and take football closer to its fans worldwide.”
Kia has been an official sponsor of FIFA on numerous events, including the FIFA World Cup, since the beginning of the partnership in 2007. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 will be held in India from October 11-30 with matches to be held in Navi Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar and Goa.
This is the seventh edition of the biennial youth tournament and the first-ever FIFA women’s competition to be hosted by India.