The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced Nike has extended its commercial engagement with Asian football.

 Nike has worked with the AFC since 2005 and has extended its commercial relationship with Asian football’s governing body as an official partner.

 “I couldn’t be more excited about the extension of AFC’s sponsorship agreement with Nike,” said Zhang Jilong, Acting President of the AFC in a statement.

“Nike believed in the potential of Asian football and our alliance started in 2005. Nike’s commitment is a good testimony to the great appeal of AFC tournaments as a superior marketing platform.”

 The agreement includes all AFC national competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup – Asia’s top sporting event – as well as the qualifying tournaments for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games and the AFC Club programme, which includes the fast-growing AFC Champions League.

 “It is a great pleasure to renew our relationship with Nike on behalf of Asian football,” said Nick Mould, President, East Asia of World Sport Group, the AFC’s marketing partner.

 “Since the beginning of their engagement with the AFC, Nike have been a proactive and innovative partner and we look forward to continuing to work closely together.”