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Published on July 4, 2007

The association has signed a five-year contract with the American company, ending a long-standing partnership with the Football Thai brand. At a press conference at Conrad Hotel yesterday, it also launched the kit that the Thai team will wear at the upcoming Asian Cup tournament.

Although the value of the Nike deal, running from July 2007 until June 2012, has not been disclosed, it is believed to be not less than Bt150 million.

Worawi was delighted the contract had been finalised as he believed the deal would help develop football in Thailand.

"In addition to football equipment and products that Nike will provide us, we will also coordinate with them in many of FAT's projects, particularly the ones aimed at promoting football at the grass roots," said Worawi.

"I believe there will be progressive changes in Thai football during these five years. We are planning to invite either clubs or national teams, which are also sponsored by Nike, to play a tournament in Thailand or send our team to train with them."

Patarin Aghabhadra, marketing manager of Nike (Thailand), was equally upbeat that the deal would help Thai football progress.

"We have formed many such partnerships with the world's top national teams, including Brazil, the Netherlands and Portugal, and leading clubs such as Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter Milan, as well as leading football leagues worldwide," said Patarin.

"We will leverage these experiences to help elevate the standard of Thai football and provide its athletes with premium products to enhance their play.

"The partnership with FAT today further reinforces our commitment to Thai football and underlines Nike's determination to elevate Thai football into the global arena." Patarin also said the kits that the Thai team will wear in the Asian Cup are only interim ones. The official jersey, which will reflect the unique Thai culture, is in the process of being designed.