MTN Group has injected over $100m into the 19th edition of the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa due in South Africa.

This was confirmed by the MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer Thembe Khumalo on Friday during the national launch of MTN’s sponsorship of the event, bolstering its position as the first and only African company ever to be a global sponsor of the Fifa World Cup at the company’s head offices in Nyarutarama, Khumalo said that MTN Group goes into the continent’s history as the first African Company to sponsor Fifa World Cup.

MTN Group has injected over $ 100 million into the next Fifa world cup edition and thus call all Africans to support the worldwide championship which will be held on African soil," Khumalo said.

Khumalo further added that is one of the most ambitious ever by an African company; with their payoff line "One spirit, one game and One African sponsor.

The campaign is to be lighted on television and radio and featured in magazines, newspapers and billboards - is one of the most ambitious ever by an African company.

MTN Group has also offered to donate up to R3m for goals scored during the Africa qualifiers which started over the weekend.

The proceeds are destined to go to those displaced and affected by recent events in South Africa, in addition to the R2.1m already given to the Red Cross.

This donation is a significant move to reaffirm its affinity to and passion for Africa and is a commitment to the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For every goal scored at the 92 qualifying events from 31 May to 22 June 2008, MTN will donate R10,000, capped at R3 million.
"It is time to show MTN’s commitment to the greatest tournament ever played and we cannot do so without addressing the current scourge facing our country," says Phuthuma Nhleko, MTN Group President and CEO.

"We are making this contribution to send the message that these unfortunate events and the negative behavior of a few do not reflect the values of MTN, South Africa and the continent. We believe in South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 2010 FIFA World Cup"

MTN’s relationship with football has been cemented through various sponsorships and investments over the years.

MTN is the title sponsor of the Confederation of African Football’s African Champions League and the Africa Cup of Nations since 2006.

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