Saudi Arabian bank Samba Financial Group has signed up as a commercial partner of Barcelona, reports Soccerex Business Daily. Samba has been named as an official sponsor and official bank of the club in Saudi Arabia. The deal will run for an initial period of three years, and demonstrates the increasing appetite for football in the Middle Eastern country.
"This association will reinforce our presence and positioning in the Middle East because two leading lights in their respective areas, sport and finances, are joining forces to work together to achieve common goals, such as satisfying our fans and Samba's customers," Barcelona vice-president Javier Faus said.
"We have chosen this organisation as the official bank in Saudi Arabia for its prestige and international recognition and for the great passion they've shown towards Barca and all it represents. We are sure that the agreement with Samba will be very beneficial to both parties."
Samba board member Zaki Al Mousa added: "This winning association will hugely strengthen Samba's position as the main card issuer in Saudi Arabia. We believe that we understand the life of our customers and our effort is to give them more chance to take everywhere the winning passion of one of the most important football teams in the world, with all the first-class benefits of Samba's credit cards.
"This agreement also highlights our brand commitment to open up a world of entertainment, excitement and possibilities to our customers."
