TT picked by German giants

He said Trinidad and Tobago had achieved a milestone by becoming the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup finals.

"First of all this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our country. We are the number one football brand in the world and having the chance to be part of your team’s presence in Germany for the World Cup as well as the other teams that we are associated with was an excellent chance for us to not just raise our profile but also to give to Trinidad and Tobago what it deserves," Hainer told TTFF Media yesterday.

Adidas signed a four-year deal with the Warriors worth US$11.5 million.

"I do believe that we as a football company need to have a portfolio which does not just involve European teams but teams like yours from other parts of the world. We agreed on this deal even before the game against Bahrain and we were right all along before you have made it to the World Cup," Hainer said.

He added that aside from a general team sponsorship, his company will also look into potential personal endorsements for some players on the TT team. "We will look at the established players and also the young and upcoming ones to see what opportunities there can be," said the Adidas boss. Also present at the signing were Gunter Weigl, Director Global for Adidas Football/Rugby; Thierry Weil, Head of Football for Global Sports Marketing/Adidas; Michael Riehl, Head of Global Sports and Marketing; and Robin McCammon, Clubs and Federations Senior Manager for Adidas and also of Global Sports.

The supplies of the deal began with the play-offs against Bahrain and will spread over to other national teams in due course.