The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) is to embark on a mission to significantly up its digital footprint to raise the profile of the sport in conjunction with Optus.
As its digital partner, Optus will create, manage, operate, market and commercialise the FFA's websites, and mobile sites and apps. Optus was appointed by the FFA after a competitive tender. At the same time, Optus has extended its sponsorship as the FFA's official telecommunications partner for a further two years.
The digital platforms will promote the various football properties under FFA's umbrella including the Qantas Socceroos, Hyundai A-League, Westfield Matildas and other international and domestic teams and competitions.
New websites will feature video, match highlights, club content, latest news, statistics and analysis, and fan forums. The new platforms, including mobile sites and apps, will be launched to coincide with the start of the A-League season in October.
FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said: "These interconnected FFA sites, driven by Optus, will become the main portal for all Australian football fans. Optus will provide us with new, powerful digital tools to interact with the 1.7 million strong football community, market our fabulous game and expand our audiences. The teams will have a powerful digital channel to grow their brands."
Optus digital media director Austin R. Bryan said: "We know football fans have a huge appetite for compelling digital content. This was demonstrated during the 2010 FIFA World Cup when Australians watched more than 400,000 live streams despite the matches being played in the middle of the night.
"As the official partner of FFA, Optus will deliver a one-stop digital shop for all things football. We will leverage our digital and mobile capabilities to bring more comprehensive and timely content to Australian football fans across a range of devices."
The implications of the partnership for Optus' foray into IPTV remains unclear. When quizzed about a possible FFA IPTV channel, Bryan said with the convergence of digital media, Optus and the FFA will "look for opportunites where and when it's appropriate".
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