Coca-Cola Renews Worldwide Football Association With FIFA.

The Coca-Cola Company and FIFA, football’s world governing body, announced the extension of their long-time association under the new, elite FIFA Partner umbrella. The partnership extension was announced by Joseph S. Blatter, president of
FIFA, and E. Neville Isdell, chairman and chief executive officer, The Coca-Cola Company, in Cape Town, South Africa, host country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM).

In addition to the ceremonial signing of the partnership renewal, Mr. Blatter and Mr. Isdell disclosed details of the first global “FIFA World Cup(TM) Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola,” which will visit 31 cities in 28 nations, beginning in early January 2006. The round-the-world tour, created through the exclusive partnership between Coca-Cola and FIFA, will be the most- extensive exhibition by far of the authentic FIFA World Cup Trophy, which is rarely seen in public outside the nation winning each FIFA World Cup(TM). Mr. Isdell also marked Tuesday’s occasion by unveiling a new global football marketing platform for brand Coca-Cola, “We All Speak Football,” which is being launched through 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) consumer programs in scores of countries around the world.

Overseen by FIFA’s Marketing & TV Division, the recently introduced commercial strategy lifts FIFA Partners into a new realm of commitment designed to enhance the development of the sport around the world and through all walks of life.

“We All Speak Football”

The new “We All Speak Football” global marketing platform brings to life the optimistic vision of brand Coca-Cola to draw people together and set aside their differences, as a way of making the world a little bit better.

“‘We All Speak Football’ is our common language for associating the universal passion for football with the uplifting refreshment of Coca-Cola, and the sense of optimism and happiness that both deliver,” said Marc Mathieu, Senior Marketing Vice President, Core Global Brands, The Coca-Cola Company.