Emirates brings the AFC Cup to Dubai.

The trophy for the 2019 Asian Cup champion was transported from Tokyo, stopping in Hong Kong before continuing its journey on Emirates flight EK 383 to Dubai.

The AFC Asian Cup is the most prestigious football event in Asia and one of the most anticipated major sporting events in the world. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had the honor of hosting the AFC for the first time in 1996. Since 2002, Emirates has been the Official Airline and Partner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), sponsoring all of the Confederation's tournaments, including the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup, and AFC Asian Cup, as well as several women's and youth tournaments. Emirates also sponsors some of the world's biggest clubs and sporting events, aiming to connect people through their passion for the sport. The highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 tournament once again ignites the love of football among fans.

Adel Al Redha, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, said: “We are extremely excited about this partnership with the AFC. We believe the upcoming tournament will provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with football fans back home, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as audiences across Asia who are cheering for their national teams. We will play a key role in connecting cities through Emirates’ flight network and bringing football fans to the UAE to experience the AFC Asian Cup 2019 firsthand. We also aim to further enhance the UAE’s position as a world-class sporting hub and a focal point for international sporting events.”

The tournament trophy, specially designed by world-class master craftsmen, will replace the old trophy that has been used since the first tournament in 1956. First unveiled at the 2019 Asian Cup group stage draw in Dubai in May 2018, the trophy is inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizing peace across Asia, with five petals representing the five regional associations of the AFC. Emirates operates an extensive network across Asia, with flights to 16 of the 24 countries participating in the AFC Asian Cup. Each participating country will be represented by a local fan community residing in the United Arab Emirates, making the UAE a multicultural and diverse meeting point for fans. Emirates will partner with these communities through a series of activities to support fans in passionately cheering on their national teams throughout the four weeks of the tournament.

Throughout the tournament, Emirates' image will be prominently featured in AFC matches through television advertising, in-match promotions, invaluable fan privileges, and special booking and hotel benefits. Furthermore, Emirates will benefit from digital and social media marketing promoted by the AFC, and will proudly carry the prestigious trophy in the final match in February 2019.

Football (soccer) remains the king of sports, topping Emirates' sponsorship portfolio. This is demonstrated through the airline's enduring partnerships with renowned football clubs and world-class leagues over the years. Emirates has sponsored the kits of leading European and global clubs such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Hamburger SV, Olympiacos, Benfica SL, and notably Arsenal, in an agreement that includes the naming rights to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. The airline is also the main sponsor of The Emirates FA Cup, held in England.

Emirates' flight network currently serves 65 destinations across Asia and Australia.

Thu Trang