OREANDA-NEWS. State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), a leading global oil company of the world, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a major sponsorship deal for the UEFA EURO 2016 and European Qualifiers.


This partnership between SOCAR and UEFA will create innovative opportunities that offer real benefits to the game with such a rich history, being one of the most prestigious national team competitions in the world held every four years and generating huge audiences around the world since the first tournament of which was held back in 1960 in France.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Elshad Nasirov, SOCAR's Vice-President of marketing and investments, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with this forward-thinking project and SOCAR takes great pride in its association with the world of sport. This will be our second international sponsorship involvement in football following the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup 2012 hosted last year in Azerbaijan.

Our company provides active and devoted support for the game in Azerbaijan being the main official sponsor of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan. Sponsorships across the sport are a very significant point for us, and being associated with such a large scale and exciting competition is very important to us. This sponsorship provides us with a unique platform to raise the international profile of SOCAR and reflects our vision of establishing and building a premium brand in the energy sector.”

Commenting on the announcement, Marketing Director of UEFA Events S.A., Guy-Laurent Epstein said:

“We are very pleased to welcome SOCAR as an Official Partner of the UEFA National Team Competitions including the 2016 UEFA European Championship™ and the 2014-2017 European Qualifiers™. This comprehensive sponsorship platform will offer SOCAR a unique opportunity to promote their brand and drive engagement with their target audience. SOCAR’s aim to become a global energy company and our collaboration will bring new opportunities for the promotion of the very best of European National Team football to a larger and wider group of fans.”