By IANS
Durban : Indian global consulting and information technology service provider, Satyam Computer Service, has become the first Indian sponsor of FIFA World Cup, having been selected as the official IT service provider for 2010 and 2014 events in South Africa and Brazil respectively, Bua news agency reported Monday.
According to a FIFA announcement, the software group, based in India’s Hyderabad city, is the fourth sponsor of the 2010 World Cup. It has also bagged contracts for two FIFA Confederation Cups that will take place within the same period.
Anheuser-Busch, McDonald’s and MTN are the other groups to sign up for the 2010 World Cup.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Satyam Chairman and founder Ramalinga Raju confirmed the partnership Saturday at a signing ceremony on the eve of Africa’s first taste of world cup action, the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw.
“I am very proud that Satyam has chosen the World Cup for this historic move. Satyam’s commitment is testimony to the immense appeal of FIFA as a superior marketing platform for transporting a brand around the world,” said Blatter.
“It is a big advantage for all those involved in the events to have such an experienced IT service partner on board.
“We look forward to working with such a dedicated partner who shares our ideals and identifies with our mission to use football as a tool to touch the world and build a better future,” the FIFA president added.
As the official IT service provider during both the world cups in 2010 and 2014, Satyam will play a crucial role in developing the IT event management system for FIFA and its service partner for IT, hospitality and accommodation, as well as local organising committees during the next seven years.
Speaking at the signing ceremony Raju said: “We are pleased with the confidence FIFA has in Satyam to deliver mission-critical business and technology services for the world’s foremost sporting event.
“This sponsorship recognises the sport’s universal appeal and its tradition of skill, speed, competitiveness and teamwork – attributes that reflect Satyam’s own qualities.”
Satyam is a significant investor in South Africa and leads a skills development initiative for the country under the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA).
Currently more than 80 South African students are enrolled in a year-long technical training programme at the Satyam’s campus in Hyderbad.