KOCHI: Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) Wednesday made official what was evident from the recent announcement that online education platform BYJU’S had been onboarded as the franchise’s title sponsor for the seventh edition of the Hero Indian Super League.
KBFC and Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG) confirmed a “mutual adieu” Wednesday following 6 years of partnership as the title sponsor of the club.
As for the reasons for the “separation”, MPG would be focusing on grassroots development of sport, going forward is the official explanation given. A company statement reads: “To boost the sports culture, there is an urgent requirement for providing high-tech Infrastructure, highly qualified coaches both Indian as well as foreign and a long-term sports policy. The Muthoot Pappachan Group has now decided to focus on these areas and get involved with the grassroots level projects for sports. The group believes that the need of the hour should be identification and support for the next generation’s sporting ambition.”
MPG would therefore continue to invest in the development of a sports culture and through the KBFC academy, the relationship with the Kerala Blasters team also would continue.
Nikhil Bhardwaj, director, KBFC, noted: “Sometimes, some relations enhance the very purpose of their beginning. Our association with Muthoot Pappachan group is one such example. What began as a pure commercial deal, grew into an association and consolidated as a partnership that we will cherish forever. Such partnerships require a deep understanding of each other’s needs and, sometimes, compulsions that arise due to unforeseen situations. Just as Muthoot stood by us for so long, it is our duty to stand by their decision too. A simple thank you will not convey the magnanimity of their contribution to Kerala Blasters. We remain grateful with an assured optimism that this partnership has only taken a pause.”
Thomas Muthoot, director, MPG, added: “Our Association with Kerala Blasters over the last 6 years has been fruitful both for the brand and football. Through various joint initiatives, KBFC and MPG have revolutionized sport partnership from just attaching a corporate name to the franchise to forming an effective and enriching connect between the team, the sponsor, and the passionate fans. We thank the fans for their overwhelming support and we pledge that we would continue to help the cause of Football.”
Related Report
BYJU’S join hands with Kerala Blasters FC as title sponsor
