AFC Enhances Club Competitions with Extended Tecno Sponsorship Agreement

Tecno Amplifies Asian Football Presence with Extended AFC Sponsorship

published: September 11, 2025

Champions League Elite win”>

Saudi arabian team Al-Ahli clinched the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite title in May, highlighting the competition’s growing stature. (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Chinese technology company Tecno has announced a continuation of its sponsorship arrangement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The agreement will see Tecno maintain its position as a global supporter of prominent AFC club competitions for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

Expanding Sponsorship portfolio

This renewal encompasses the AFC Champions League Elite, the AFC Champions League two, and the AFC Women’s Champions League. The initial partnership, established in August 2024, covered the preceding 2024-25 seasons of these same tournaments. This extended commitment underscores Tecno’s strategic investment in asian football.

The deal was facilitated by the AFC’s new commercial rights agency, Asia Football Group, launched in September 2023. The AFC anticipates that Tecno’s continued involvement will significantly contribute to elevating fan engagement and creating exceptional experiences for supporters.

Tecno’s Global Sports Strategy

Beyond its AFC partnership, Tecno is further solidifying its brand reach in the global sports arena. The company is slated to serve as a global sponsor for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in both 2025 and 2027, following an announcement made in June with the Confederation of African Football. This diversified approach demonstrates Tecno’s commitment to major sporting events across multiple continents.

recent months have also seen the AFC strengthening its commercial ties with other major brands.In July, the confederation broadened its collaboration with Visa, extending coverage to the 2025 Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Additionally, a global agreement with Chinese home appliance manufacturer Midea was expanded in June.

Did You Know? Sports sponsorship revenue globally is projected to reach $63.2 billion in 2025, according to Statista, demonstrating the immense value brands place on aligning with sporting events.

Sponsorship	Sponsor	Event	Duration
AFC Club Competitions	Tecno	Champions League Elite, Champions League Two, Women’s Champions League	2025-2027
Africa Cup of Nations	Tecno	AFCON	2025 & 2027
Women’s Asian Cup	Visa	Women’s Asian Cup (Australia)	2025

Pro Tip: For brands considering sports sponsorships, aligning with events that resonate with their target audience is crucial for maximizing return on investment.

Are you surprised by the increasing investment from Chinese companies in global sports sponsorships? What role do you see technology playing in enhancing the fan experience at these events?

The Rise of Asian Football and Sponsorship Opportunities

asian football has experienced significant growth in recent years, both in terms of player advancement and fan base. This growth has attracted increasing attention from international sponsors seeking to tap into new markets. The AFC Champions League, in particular, has become a highly competitive and prestigious tournament, drawing world-class players and generating significant media coverage. The expansion of women’s football in Asia also presents exciting opportunities for brands looking to support gender equality and reach a diverse audience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tecno and AFC Sponsorship

• What does Tecno’s sponsorship of the AFC cover? Tecno’s sponsorship includes the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two, and the AFC Women’s Champions League.
• How long does Tecno’s renewed sponsorship with the AFC last? The renewed sponsorship agreement extends through the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
• What other sporting events does Tecno sponsor? tecno is also a global sponsor of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the 2025 and 2027 editions.
• Who is the AFC’s rights-holding agency? Asia Football Group is the AFC’s new rights-holding agency, launched in September 2023.
• Why are companies investing more in Asian football sponsorships? The growth of Asian football and its expanding fan base present significant opportunities for brands to reach new markets.

Share your thoughts on this exciting development in the world of sports sponsorship! Leave a comment below.

How might the extended Tecno sponsorship specifically contribute to the financial stability of clubs participating in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup?

Strengthening Asian football Through Partnership

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a significant extension to itS sponsorship agreement with Tecno, a leading global smartphone brand. This renewed partnership, building on a successful initial collaboration, promises to elevate the experience for fans and participating clubs across AFC’s prestigious club competitions – the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. The extended deal underscores Tecno’s commitment to supporting the growth of football in Asia and providing innovative experiences for a rapidly expanding fanbase.

Key Details of the Extended Agreement

The multi-year extension encompasses several key areas of collaboration, designed to maximize impact both on and off the pitch.

Official Smartphone Partner: Tecno will continue as the Official Smartphone Partner of the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.

Enhanced Fan Engagement: A core focus will be on creating engaging digital experiences for fans, leveraging Tecno’s technology to bring them closer to the action. This includes interactive content, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and opportunities to win prizes.

Branding Visibility: Tecno branding will be prominently displayed throughout matches, including LED perimeter advertising, on-screen graphics, and digital platforms.

Joint Marketing Campaigns: Collaborative marketing campaigns will be launched across Asia, targeting football fans and promoting both the AFC club competitions and Tecno’s latest smartphone innovations.

Technological Integration: Exploring opportunities to integrate Tecno’s technology into various aspects of the competitions, possibly including fan voting, match analysis, and refereeing support.

Impact on the AFC Champions League & AFC Cup

This sponsorship extension is expected to have a positive impact on both the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup in several ways.Increased financial resources will allow the AFC to invest further in the quality of the competitions, including:

Prize Money: Potential increases in prize money for participating clubs, incentivizing greater competition and investment in player progress.

Infrastructure Improvements: Funding for improvements to stadium facilities and infrastructure across Asia.

marketing & Promotion: Expanded marketing and promotional efforts to raise the profile of the competitions and attract a wider audience.

refereeing & Technical Development: investment in refereeing training and technical development programs to ensure the highest standards of officiating and player performance.

Tecno’s Strategic Alignment with Asian Football

Tecno’s decision to extend its partnership with the AFC aligns with its broader strategy of expanding its presence in key Asian markets. Football is immensely popular across the continent, providing Tecno with a powerful platform to connect with millions of potential customers.

Brand Awareness: sponsorship of high-profile football competitions significantly boosts brand awareness and recognition.

Targeted Marketing: Allows Tecno to target its marketing efforts specifically towards football fans, a demographic known for its brand loyalty and engagement.

Regional Growth: Supports Tecno’s growth ambitions in key Asian markets, including India, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.

Innovation Showcase: Provides a platform to showcase Tecno’s latest smartphone innovations and technologies to a large and engaged audience.

benefits for Participating Clubs

The extended Tecno sponsorship isn’t just beneficial for the AFC; participating clubs also stand to gain.

Increased Revenue: Higher prize money and potential for increased sponsorship opportunities.

Enhanced Exposure: Greater media coverage and visibility for clubs competing in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.

Improved Facilities: Potential for investment in stadium and training facilities.

Attracting Talent: Increased financial stability can definately help clubs attract and retain top players.

The Role of Technology in Modern Football

The partnership highlights the growing importance of technology in modern football. From performance analysis to fan engagement,technology is transforming the way the game is played,watched,and experienced. Tecno’s involvement will likely lead to further innovation in this area,potentially including:

Advanced Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to provide clubs with insights into player performance and opponent strategies.

Virtual Reality Experiences: Creating immersive virtual reality experiences for fans,allowing them to experience matches from a new perspective.

5G Connectivity: leveraging 5G connectivity to deliver seamless streaming and interactive content to fans.

Smart Stadiums: Developing smart stadium technologies to enhance the fan experience and improve operational efficiency.

Case Study: successful Football Sponsorships

Numerous examples demonstrate the effectiveness of football sponsorships. Consider: