OPTUS GETS BEHIND FOOTBALL AS FFA'S OFFICIAL DIGITAL PARTNER

Football Federation Australia and Optus have today unveiled a new digital partnership that will change the way football fans interact with the game and their favourite teams.

Optus will create, operate, manage, market and commercialise FFA's websites, mobile websites and mobile phone applications under its appointment as FFA's Official Digital Partner following a competitive tender.

These digital channels will connect fans to the Qantas Socceroos, Hyundai A-League and the 10 Hyundai A-League clubs, Westfield Matildas and the rest of the international and domestic teams and competitions conducted by FFA.

Under the new digital agreement, the new Hyundai A-League websites will be content-rich with video, match highlights, unique club content, latest news, in depth statistics and analysis, fan forums and other engaging and interactive features for fans.

The mobile websites will make the game accessible for fans on the move, while newly developed mobile applications will bring a new dimension to the match-day experience.

In tandem with the new digital partnership, Optus has today renewed its sponsorship as the FFA's Official Telecommunications Partner for a further two years.

Since the beginning of its partnership with football in 2008, Optus has built a strong connection at all levels of the game. Rather than focus solely on the elite level, Optus has supported grassroots football through Optus Small Sided Football and the recently launched Optus Small-Sided Football Awards.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley said the appointment of Optus as the FFA's Official Digital Partner was a breakthrough moment for football in Australia.

"These interconnected FFA websites, driven by Optus, will become the main portal for all Australian football fans," Mr Buckley said.

"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.

"This partnership is another part of the exciting growth story for Australian football. Since signing up as official telecommunications partner in 2008, Optus has done a fantastic job in helping us grow engagement and participation in the game. I'm delighted to have Optus as a committed partner in the next stage of our journey, as we broaden our reach beyond traditional media channels," Mr Buckley said.

Optus Digital Media Director, Austin R. Bryan said, "Optus is committed to delivering football content across a wide range of platforms.

"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 matches being played in the middle of the night.

"As the official digital 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," Mr Bryan said.

Highlights of the Optus-FFA Official Digital Partnership

• Redesigned websites for all National Teams and National Competitions
• Website functionality for mobile phones
• Mobile applications
• Unique and exclusive behind-the-scenes content
• In-depth statistical analysis and interactive features for fans
• Launch of new platform to be synchronised with the launch of the Hyundai A-League Season 7, this October 2011.

Media contacts:

Kyle Patterson
Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications
Tel: 02 8020 4010

Liz Greene
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: 02 8082 1132