Manchester United looks to Azerbaijan

MANCHESTER United has struck a commercial agreement with Bakcell, an Azerbaijani telecommunications firm.

Under the three-year deal the firm, which has 2.5 million customers, will broadcast the club’s MUTV in the country and offer its mobile customers club news, video highlights and ringtones.

It is United’s first commercial deal in the former Soviet states that now make up the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Commercial director Richard Arnold said: “Manchester United is pleased to be joining forces with Bakcell. The two organisations have a history of being the first in their chosen field: Bakcell were Azerbaijan’s first mobile company way back in 1994 and have gone on to be the country’s most trusted operator, with over 2.5 million customers.

“This new agreement is another first for Manchester United, with it being the only partnership the club has in the country. Our Azerbaijani fan base is ever increasing and we hope that our relationship with Bakcell will allow us to engage with these fans as well as bring them exclusive access to their favourite club.‛

Bakcell’s chief executive, Richard Shearer, said: “We are pleased to be the first business not only in Azerbaijan, but in whole CIS countries who build partnership with one of the biggest football clubs of the world. This partnership will bring football and Manchester United closer to all Bakcell customers, Manchester United fans and football lovers of the whole country and region.”‛