Deutsche Telekom is to become the first of a possible six national supporters of the Fifa Women's World Cup 2011 in Germany. The deal was announced in Bonn by Telekom chairman René Obermann at a news conference, also attended by German Football Federation (DFB) President Dr. Theo Zwanziger and FIFA Women's World Cup Organising Committee  President Steffi Jones.

The telecommunications company already has a deep-rooted relationship with the German Football Federation and this latest deal represents an extension of that.

"It is a good sign that Deutsche Telekom is seeking an active role in the Women's World Cup. This underlines the high regard for women's football in Germany," DFB President Dr. Zwanziger commented. "The DFB enjoys an intensive and good partnership with the global concern. Deutsche Telekom was one of the guarantees of success at the 2006 World Cup, so it would be ideal to have the company at our side for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011."

Deutsche Telekom  chairman René Obermann stressed the significance of the firm's renewed commitment to a football World Cup. "The World Cup in 2011 will be a wonderful opportunity to drive even greater popular passion for women's football. We are consciously sending out a signal and taking a leading role among the DFB's partners," he said.

Alongside a raft of Fifa's own commercial partners, the Fifa Women's World Cup 2011 Organising Committee may appoint up to six German businesses or organisations as national supporters with specific marketing rights, including a presence at the stadiums and access to national print products and advertising facilities.