Man City Sign Major Mobile Deal In Japan
Manchester City Football Club has signed a new partnership deal with MLJ, Inc. to develop its official Japanese mobile website, in the Club’s latest bid to expand its mobile and digital offering to supporters outside the UK.
Under City’s partnership, MLJ, Inc. has exclusive rights to develop Manchester City’s official Japanese mobile website for non-smartphone handheld mobile devices until May 2013.
The website will host daily news content, downloadable team photography, as well as giving City’s Japanese fans easy access to official MCFC merchandise, memorabilia and match-day tickets.
The deal signals a new chapter in City’s plans to expand its devoted international fanbase, with similar partnership arrangements likely to follow in other major markets in Asia.
Ian Cafferky, Chief Brand & Commercial Officer for Manchester City, said: ‘We’re extremely excited to be entering in to the Asia market with partners MLJ Inc, who already help some of the biggest names in world football reach out to a host of new fans, from across Japan.’
‘This deal marks another chapter in the Club’s digital strategy to engage with our international fan base, bringing supporters as close as possible to the match-day experience, through greater interaction online and on mobile.’
Teruhisa Ade, CEO of MLJ Inc., added: ‘We are extremely happy to enter into a partnership with Manchester City Football Club who are not only extremely ambitious, but also play in the most competitive professional football league in the world. Through this new service, Japanese supporters will be able to experience the club’s success, closer than ever before.’
The partnership is the result of collaboration between Manchester City, MLJ and LeadOff Sports Marketing.
