vivo, the leading, global technology company, has been announced as the official smartphone of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
DIALLED IN FOR THE WORLD CUP
Like the crushing, inescapable inevitability of England’s demise, in what is sure to be yet another heart-wrenching chapter in a storied history of footballing failure, most likely at the hands of the cruel mistress that is the penalty shootout, the 2022 FIFA World Cup fast approaches.
Scheduled to be held in Qatar later this month, the 2022 FIFA World Cup has not arrived without numerous controversies and significant speculation over a range of cultural, political and environmental issues. However, it will also represent a series of ground-breaking firsts for this gigantic and historic culmination of footballing excellence.
The 22nd edition of the iconic tournament, the quadrennial international men’s football championship, contested by the top national teams of the member associations of FIFA, will be the first World Cup ever held in the Arab world, and only the second World Cup held entirely within Asia, following the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
It will also be a unique iteration, since Qatar’s intense and punishing summer heat means that this World Cup is the very first to be held during the cooler winter months.
The first match played at the tournament features the hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor on 20th November.
THE SMARTPHONE OF CHOICE
Leading global technology company, vivo, has been announced as the official smartphone of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and even more prestigiously, the only official tournament sponsor in the entire smartphone industry.
The company’s new flagship product and futuristically designed foldable device, the X Fold+, was previously launched in mainland China in conjunction with FIFA’s 118th anniversary. It is the first official foldable smartphone and will play a crucial role during matches to provide support for the preparation and staging of the event, and ensure the smooth running of all processes.
As the exclusive, official smartphone sponsor, vivo aims to connect international football fans who are as passionate about the beautiful game as vivo is, through its industry-leading smartphone technology, which will be front and centre throughout the entirety of the competition.
Having signed a six-year sponsorship agreement with FIFA in 2017, this year’s highly anticipated event in Qatar will be the second World Cup vivo has sponsored, having previously partnered with the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar. In terms of other major football events, vivo also sponsored the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship, further evidence that vivo is unwaveringly committed to supporting the global development of the sport through its various sponsorships and partnerships.
THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF FOOTBALL
As one of the oldest sports still in existence, football is infinitely popular around the world. Its very essence embodies the crucial nature of teamwork to achieve one common purpose in pursuit of victory. Regardless of race, gender, and age, football has always had the power to bring people from different cultural backgrounds closer together to build strong connections and break barriers.
vivo embarked on its vast globalisation journey in 2014 and now covers more than 60 countries and regions across the globe. Having always adhered to consumer orientation, vivo is consistently committed to using innovative technology to provide excellent smartphones and other products for its users around the world.
Together, with the World Cup’s expected global audience of five billion viewers and over 400 million active vivo users worldwide, the two partners are looking forward to connecting with audiences around the globe through the shared passion for football.
There is an unwavering belief held at vivo, that the development of sports and technology can share a similar philosophy – this is the ability to empower people to live better lives through continuous breakthroughs and innovations.
Through its sponsorship, vivo looks to play an integral role in helping FIFA host a truly open and inclusive event for all.
Spark Ni, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at vivo, recently described how, “football has the power to bring people together. vivo believes that innovation can help football fans build a community and share exciting World Cup experiences with everyone across the globe, whether they are watching the games at a football stadium or enjoying the experience from afar.”
AN EVENT TO REMEMBER
During the World Cup, vivo will provide industry-leading flagship smartphones to FIFA staff to help them complete their preparations with cutting-edge technologies to ensure the hosting of a successful event.
As the only official sponsor of the World Cup in the smartphone industry, vivo would like to invite global users and football fans to record wonderful moments that will spread happiness among family and friends.
vivo will also unleash the #vivogiveitashot campaign during the competition to celebrate the event. Through this exciting new campaign, vivo hopes to recreate the most beautiful and impressive moments from the action, as well as the view from the stands and the World Cup village, with a theme of displaying the courage of people who tackle challenges head-on. The company envisages this campaign as giving people across the globe the power to express themselves through their love of football and the World Cup.
This tournament certainly promises to be a unique one but also holds the potential to be a truly transformative and extremely memorable event.
