FIFA's Executive Committee decided on 30 October 2007 to appoint MATCH Hospitality AG as FIFA's hospitality rights holder following a public tender process.
Two separate public tenders had been launched for FIFA's hospitality rights for the 2009 to 2011 period (Tender A, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™) and for the 2013 to 2014 period (Tender B, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™).
The appointment includes the sales of hospitality packages on an exclusive worldwide basis and the operation of the FIFA Hospitality Programme.
FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke commented: "The rights have been awarded to the best bidder, recognising the world's biggest hospitality rights property. This long-term partnership is giving FIFA sustainable assets and promoting hospitality across all of FIFA's events. FIFA is taking on board the most experienced and competent team to deliver high-quality services."
MATCH Hospitality is based in Zug (Switzerland) with offices in Zurich and Johannesburg and is a subsidiary of Byrom Holdings plc (Byrom).
Infront Sports & Media AG (Infront) is joining Byrom as a
shareholder of MATCH Hospitality and there will shortly be an
announcement of another major company with a long-standing and
successful relationship with FIFA that will join Byrom and Infront
as shareholders of MATCH Hospitality AG.
Jaime Byrom, Executive Chairman of MATCH Hospitality AG,
commented: "MATCH Hospitality is honoured and delighted at the
prospect of delivering a great FIFA Hospitality Programme and
leaving a lasting legacy for the host nations of these FIFA events.
We are confident that with our team of hospitality experts led by
Pascal Portes, the company's Chief Operating Officer and Head
of Hospitality, we shall deliver an unforgettable FIFA World Cup
experience for all parties involved."
