Pitch International to manage Brazil friendlies until 2022 World Cup

London-based sports marketing agency Pitch International has entered into an exclusive partnership deal with the Brazilian Football Confederation (Confederação Brasilera de Futebol) for the rights to organise, promote and commercialise all Brazil international friendly matches for the next ten years. Pitch replaces Kentaro, who have been the rights holders.

Pitch, whose relationship with the CBF will begin on the FIFA match date on October 16, 2012; will be responsible for all organisational and commercial aspects of the Seleção's friendly matches worldwide, including in Brazil, between now and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

As host nation, Brazil do not play any qualification matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup so, working closely with the CBF in the selection of opponents and venues, both in Brazil and in the rest of the world, Pitch will be responsible for up to twenty friendly matches during this crucial 2014 World Cup preparation period.

In addition to the match organisation, Pitch will be responsible for the commercialisation of all broadcast, sponsorship, stadium signage, ticketing and commercial rights of the friendly matches of the five time FIFA World Cup winners and one of the most marketable international teams which currently includes star names such as Neymar, Dani Alves, Hulk, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Oscar and Alexandre Pato.

Pitch International MD Jonathan Rogers said of the partnership, "It is a great honour for Pitch to enter into such a prestigious partnership with the CBF. We are extremely proud to count the CBF as a new long-term partner of Pitch and will work tirelessly to deliver on their goals and objectives. This partnership also demonstrates the continued expansion of the Pitch business and highlights our growing sponsorship rights and event management business."

CBF President Jose Maria Marin said, "The CBF are delighted that Pitch International will exclusively organise and commercialise the friendly matches of the Seleção, both in Brazil and outside of Brazil, until the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. We have been impressed with their innovative ideas, enthusiasm and extensive network of international football and commercial contacts and look forward to a long and successful working relationship with them."

CBF Vice-President and FIFA executive committee member Marco Polo del Nero added, "I agree with the comments of President Marin. The friendly matches of the Seleção have always been regarded by the CBF as vital preparation for the CBF's competitive tournaments and matches and for this reason the CBF will always select its top players for all such matches. As we approach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil the friendly matches of the Seleção are of vital importance and we are delighted that Pitch International will organise and commercialise these vital friendly games, and the games prior to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, on behalf of the CBF. We are excited by our long-term partnership with Pitch."

For Pitch International it is the biggest deal of the agency, while for the CBF the commercialization of the Seleção is a key asset of their football.