By David Gold
November 6 – Jochen Rotthaus, the managing director of Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, has told insideworldfootball the club is proud to be the first team in one of Europe’s top-flight leagues to have a solar-power provider as its shirt sponsor.
Hoffenheim signed a deal earlier this year with Chinese company Suntech, a world leader in the provision and installation of solar photovoltaic panels, which absorb sunlight and transform it into energy.
“We are very proud to be the first club which has a solar company as shirt sponsor,” said Rotthaus, who will be speaking at the International Football Arena conference in Zurich, which is due to start tomorrow.
He will be joined by Suntech’s Vedat Gürgeli to discuss their partnership.
“Suntech is not just a global leader, but also a modern, multinational company with a fascinating success story,” said the Hoffenheim chief.
“We see enormous chances when it comes to questions concerning image.
“[Our] profile will be sharpened and Suntech will benefit from the advertising platform that the Bundesliga and 1899 Hoffenheim offer.”
Germany has been at the forefront of solar power, with a range of subsidies offered to companies to help them produce and provide energy to the national grid.
Rotthaus says this encouragement is the reason for the links between German football teams and solar-power companies, such as Suntech.
He also sees a link between this and the financial health of German teams, with the Bundesliga winning a fourth Champions League spot for next season after overtaking Italy in the UEFA Coefficients rankings.
Many German teams have built new stadia, 25 in total since 2000, and this has led to significant new revenues for club sides, which have fuelled the progress of their top sides in European competitions.
“Germany is an innovative and very eco-conscious society,” said Rotthaus.
“It does make sense for companies like Suntech to invest and to be represented in this market.
“I think these are the reasons Germany and the Bundesliga might be ahead when it comes to close links between solar-power companies and professional football.
“I am sure these links will deepen in the near future.”
“For years now, the German Bundesliga is solid and professional in its economic activity.
“The sporting success of its members in European club competitions is just a corollary.”
IFA Zurich 2011 takes place on November 7 and 8 at the Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734917624labto1734917624ofdlr1734917624owedi1734917624sni@d1734917624log.d1734917624ivad1734917624