Coca-Cola signs Northern Ireland football partnership

Coca-Cola has agreed a new soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland Football League, with the brand set to activate across both the national teams and the domestic game. Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “It’s great to see such a huge global brand supporting football in Northern Ireland, and we are delighted Coca-Cola has become the official soft drinks partner of the Irish FA. “I have no doubt Coca-Cola’s involvement will help to promote football among a wider audience in Northern Ireland – and that’s always good for the game.” The partnership involves The Coca-Cola Company and its strategic bottling partner Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland. Coca-Cola brands including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Powerade will be used across matchday branding, social media content and fan access opportunities, with the products available through matchday activity.Simon Fitzpatrick, general manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Football in Northern Ireland is a proudly established and widely supported institution, bringing local talent together through a shared love of the beautiful game. “From domestic teams to the national teams, we are excited to enhance the matchday experience for football fans by offering a range of our products, from Coca-Cola to Powerade, as they come together to support their teams.” NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor said: “Having a world-renowned brand such as Coca-Cola on board is another exciting development for the Northern Ireland Football League and our member clubs. “This partnership is another big step in growing the league to an even wider audience as well as enhancing the current matchday experience for our regular match-going supporters. “This is an investment in domestic football in Northern Ireland and will bring a major benefit to our clubs over the next three years.” The Irish FA said the deal reflects Coca-Cola’s wider investment in football and is intended to support communities across Northern Ireland, alongside promotion of grassroots and domestic football.