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The Red Fort opens the gate to a new era
In a historic move that reflects the economic and sporting status of Al-Ahli Club, Africa’s Club of the Century announced the signing of the largest investment agreement in its history and the largest of its kind in the Middle East with Vodafone, in a strategic partnership that represents a qualitative leap in sports investment and opens the door to a more closed project for Al than ever before. turning from a long-awaited dream into a tangible reality.
The signing ceremony took place in a grand celebration led by the club’s board of directors, Mahmoud Al-Khatib, with the participation of a number of ministers, the boards of directors of Al-Ahli football companies, representatives of sports facilities, Red Fort, Vodafone and a group of sports, public and media figures.
Red Castle, the company responsible for the financing and implementation of Al-Ahly Stadium, has signed a historic agreement with Vodafone, granting the company the right to name the Al-Ahly Stadium, while Al-Ahly Football Company has signed a new sponsorship deal with Vodafone, becoming the main shirt sponsor of the first team for four years.
This agreement is an important milestone in the sports investment process, as it contributes to maximizing the club’s return on investment and supports the implementation of the world stadium project, thus strengthening Al-Ahly’s position as one of the largest sports organizations in the region.
Al-Khatib also presented the club’s shirt to Mohamed Abdullah, Managing Director and CEO of Vodafone Egypt and Regional Head of International Markets for Vodafone Group, during a celebration that saw the official announcement of the historic partnership.
A dream that has become closer to reality
Mahmoud Al-Khatib confirmed that the signing of the strategic partnership with Vodafone is a new historic milestone in the club’s journey, stressing that Al-Ahly continues to achieve through its long history, its fans, its members and its continuous efforts to develop its resources to ensure the fulfillment of its commitments and the achievement of its future ambitions.
Al-Khatib praised the role of the Egyptian state, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in supporting infrastructure and sports projects, stressing that the dream of Al-Ahly fans to have a world-class stadium is closer than ever.
He explained that the idea of collaborating with Vodafone began earlier this year during his treatment, after receiving an offer from the company, after which a series of meetings began with Al-Ahli Football Company and those responsible for commercial rights, before signing the biggest investment deal in the club’s history.
He noted that the contract includes an innovative financial mechanism to protect Al-Ahly’s rights, stabilizing the value and ensuring that the club will benefit from any increase in the exchange rate, while receiving its value in Egyptian pounds, which reflects the professionalism of managing the investment file.
He added that Vodafone’s acquisition of the naming rights to the Al-Ahli Stadium represents a major financial boost to the project, expressing his full confidence that Red Castle, led by Mohamed Kamel, will complete the stadium on schedule despite the implementation and technical and engineering challenges that have been overcome.
Al-Ahly’s chairman said he requested changes to the stadium’s design, including replacing the concrete steps with movable ones that meet the latest international standards and provide a more advanced and comfortable experience for fans, which has already been done.
Al-Khatib thanked Vodafone, Red Castle Company, Al-Ahly Football Company and all the working teams. He also praised the efforts of the club’s board of directors and executive management, appreciating the board’s appreciation for the health he has been experiencing since last September and the full performance of each individual’s role.
Collaboration of the most successful sports models
Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil confirmed that the current partnership between Al-Ahly and Vodafone is one of the best and most successful partnerships in the field of sports, expressing his delight at the move, which reflects the size and value of the Al-Ahly club.
He noted that this partnership is in line with the political leadership’s orientation and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s vision of investing in people, expecting it to bring great benefits to Al-Ahly Club, Vodafone, Egyptian sports, football and Egyptian fans in general.
He added that his experience in the fields of sports and investment makes him realize the value of this partnership, which unites two organizations that raise the slogan of leadership and success, stressing that it will contribute to serving Egyptian sports and raising its position.
“I grew up in the Al-Ahly club, and this is a pride for me, and there I learned that representing the name of Egypt and raising its flag is the ultimate goal. Therefore, today I am the minister of all Egyptians and all sports institutions, far from any affiliation, to raise the name of Egypt in all sports.”
Historic partnership
Mohamed Abdullah, Managing Director and CEO of Vodafone Egypt and Regional Head of International Markets for Vodafone Group, confirmed that the relationship between the company and Al-Ahly Club spans over 25 years and has witnessed many joint successes and achievements.
He explained that the company today begins a new phase in its relationship with Al Ahly, which reflects Vodafone’s vision, which believes that technology is the cornerstone of progress and contributes to the development of different experiences and services to citizens.
He noted that this partnership is the first of its kind in the Middle East, naming Al-Ahly Stadium after Vodafone, making it the first stadium in Egypt to bear the company’s name, as part of a vision to create smart stadiums that rely on technology to improve the fan experience, from ticketing and transportation to attending and enjoying sports matches.
He emphasized that Vodafone is the largest investor in digital and technological infrastructure in Egypt, with investments exceeding 125 billion pounds, stressing that investments in sports represent an expansion of the role of technology in improving the lives of citizens.
He added that recent editions of the World Cup have proven that technology has become an essential part of the football experience, noting that the new partnership with Al-Ahly aims to deliver real value to Egyptian fans by developing the sports and football system.
He concluded his speech by thanking the Vodafone work team and all partners for success. He also thanked captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib, praising his vision for the future and expressing his desire for the next game to be at the Vodafone Stadium.
The history and future of Al-Ahly
Karim Eid, Head of Vodafone Egypt’s commercial sector, expressed his joy about the partnership with Al-Ahly Club, stressing that it is one of the most important strategic milestones in Egyptian sports.
He explained that the sponsorship contract is extended for four years and aims to enrich the experience of Egyptian fans and provide a modern and advanced model of the sports system, keeping pace with the great development of the global football industry.
He added that the main objective of this partnership is to apply technology to the development of Egyptian sports and provide an integrated experience for fans in line with the latest international standards.
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli Football Company President Engineer Ayman Fathi thanked the Minister of Youth and Sports and Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib for their continued support to the company to realize its investment vision and maximize the club’s resources.
He also praised Vodafone’s professionalism and transparency during the negotiations, stressing that Al-Ahly always strives to choose partners who share the same ambitions and vision as achieved during this partnership.
He added that competition in football is no longer limited to the green rectangle, but has spread to investment and sponsorship, noting that the agreement with Vodafone includes many commercial rights that require a lot of effort to reach the best formula that meets the interests of both parties.
He concluded by thanking Naira Ali, CEO of Al-Ahli Football Company, Advisor Shadi Al-Barkouki, who oversees the legal aspects of the contract, and all employees of the company, appreciating their efforts in completing this historic agreement that makes Vodafone part of Al Ahli’s history and future club.
