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Fifa has named Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) as an official supporter of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australian bank and soccer’s global governing body will collaborate on a number of initiatives in the buildup to the tournament, including the the Player Escort Programme, which will see around 1,500 children aged six to ten accompany players onto the pitch as mascots before matches.
The agreement builds on CommBank’s existing naming rights sponsorship of Australia’s women’s national team. That deal, which was signed in 2021, saw the bank commit to investing in women’s soccer and grassroots initiatives across the country.
“Through their investment in Australian football since 2021, Commonwealth Bank have demonstrated a genuine commitment to growing women’s football participation, creating opportunities, and championing leadership,” said Sarai Bareman, chief women’s football officer at Fifa.
“These goals are closely aligned with the objectives of Fifa’s own women’s football strategy, so this partnership truly is an exceptional fit.
“We look forward to working closely with Commonwealth Bank over the coming months as together we aim to inspire kids and communities through the power of women’s football.”
Monique Macleod, group executive of marketing and corporate affairs at Commonwealth Bank, added: “This is an exciting time for women’s sport in Australia and around the world.
“With 64 games taking place in Australia and New Zealand, the Fifa Women’s World Cup is the biggest women’s sporting event in the world.
“Following almost 25 years of investing in women’s sport through our partnerships with Football Australia and Cricket Australia, this partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting Australian football from the grassroots to the elite level.”
