PUMA CHARMED BY THE SETTLERS

Kuala Lumpur (10 January, 2013) – It will be a new-look for Felda United FC when they march into the 2014 Premier League season, thanks to PUMA who has come on board with a three-year sponsorship deal.

They will be the first Premier League side to be sponsored by PUMA, commencing this season until 2016, but only the second local team to be sponsored by one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, PUMA for the 2014 Malaysian League season, following the path of Malaysia Cup champions Pahang who will feature in the Super League.

In disclosing the sponsorship deal, PUMA General Manager for Southeast Asia, Miguel Andrade, said PUMA has full confidence in the Federal Land Development Authority football outfit for a polished performance in the upcoming Premier League.

“We have always set a high level of quality as our benchmark and Felda United FC certainly has all the ingredients to prove its mettle in this highly competitive Premier League. On a personal note, I believe you are the perfect ambassador of our brand in the Premier League,” said Andrade at a meet-the-press session to announce the sponsorship deal with Felda United FC in Kuala Lumpur today.

As in line with PUMA’s long-term aspiration of being connected with team sports, Andrade added that it is PUMA’s fervent hope that this auspicious moment today will be a platform for Felda United FC to return to top flight.

Felda United FC midfielder Mohd Ashraf (second from left) wearing the away jersey and goalkeeper Mohd Soffuan dons the home jersey. Looking on are Felda Head of Sports, Dato’ Haji Ahmad Fuad bin Ahmad (far left) and PUMA General Manager for Southeast Asia, Miguel Andrade during the official sponsorship ceremony and PUMA team kit launch at The Saujana Kuala Lumpur today.

The event was also witnessed by Felda Head of Sports, Dato’ Haji Ahmad Fuad, PUMA Malaysia head of marketing, Gabriel Yap, and senior Felda United officials and players.

Dato’ Ahmad Fuad expressed his gratitude to PUMA for the confidence in the team, adding that this new development will only motivate the players and team officials to produce their best performance when the league starts.

“We have had our ups and downs last season in the Super League. However, we are confident that our fortunes will change for the better with PUMA on our side, allowing us to improve on our performance for the coming season,” added Dato’ Ahmad Fuad.

He also disclosed that Dato’ Hj Jamaludin Ahmad has been appointed the team manager while former national coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim will head the coaching staff.

Felda, also known as ‘The Settlers’, will play their home matches at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kelana Jaya for the 2014 season.
Felda United made its debut in the Malaysian Football League by competing in the 2007 FAM Cup before qualifying for the Premier and Super Leagues. They finished in 10th spot in the 2012 Super League and also reached the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Cup the same year which was their best-ever performance.

Media Contact:
Christopher Raj
Shekhinah PR / 012 – 2161881
chris@shekhinah.my

Tim Tham
PUMA Malaysia / 012 – 350 4955
tim.tham@puma.com

PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For over 65 years, PUMA has established a history of making fast product designs for the fastest athletes on the planet. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running, Training and Fitness, Golf, and Motorsports. It engages in exciting collaborations with renowned design brands such as Alexander McQueen and Mihara Yasuhiro to bring innovative and fast designs to the sports world. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf, Tretorn, Dobotex and Brandon. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com