In its most significant sponsorship to date, Optus announced today an exciting three year, multi-million dollar partnership with Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Qantas Socceroos.

"Optus loves competition and we're really proud to be getting behind the Socceroos in the lead up to the World Cup. Our mobile and broadband services offer a terrific platform for the FFA to create awareness and continue their rapid growth in Australia," Mr Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive said.

"Both Optus and FFA are challengers focused on winning in our respective markets. The enormous exposure opportunities this partnership brings to our brands will ensure we both keep scoring goals," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Optus will be one of the biggest supporters of football in Australia as the Official Telecommunications Partner of FFA which includes sponsorship of all the Australian national teams and the Hyundai A-League.

As part of this agreement, Optus will also become an official partner of the Game Development Program, providing football equipment for thousands of young soccer stars in regional and urban areas throughout the country.

"Optus will be providing equipment to help young players become the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos.

"Football is the biggest sport in the world with one of the highest youth participation sport rates in Australia, so our backing in this area will help secure the game's future success on both domestic and international levels.

"Optus is keen to support this important program and encourage even greater participation, right across Australia especially as we invest millions of dollars to expand our 3G Mobile Network to 98 per cent of the population," Mr O'Sullivan said.

"We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Optus and we appreciate their support for our ambitious plans to be the sport of first choice for players and fans," said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

"The Game Development Program is critical to building for the future.

"It is part of a long term plan to help make Australia a world leader in the game and to achieve sustained success at international level.

"Optus' support will help children around the country play the game," Buckley said.

"As this sport continues to grow, in the coming months, Optus mobile customers will be in the box seat to access exciting new content on their Optus mobile phones. From a business and sporting perspective, partnering with FFA will score goals for Optus," Mr O'Sullivan said.

The Qantas Socceroos will play Qatar in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian group qualifier in Brisbane on Wednesday 15 October 2008.

Media contact:
Tracy Monkman
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: 02 8082 7850