Coca-Cola North America will sponsor the Mexican national football team’s upcoming five-game tour of the U.S. Coca-Cola® is the Official Beverage of the series, which integrates the global ‘Real’ marketing platform.

‘Coca-Cola Presenta Fútbol Mexicano de Verdad™’ (‘Coca-Cola Presents Real Mexican Soccer™’) kicks off with the Mexican team’s match against Chile in Carson, California on February 18.

The Mexican national team is a source of pride for millions of fans across the United States, and Coca-Cola is excited to be a part of this passion. There are few events in America that generate such a high level of interest and loyalty among Hispanic fans.

Mexico played nine matches last year in eight different U.S. markets, attracting more than 37,000 fans a game. In 2004, all Mexican national team matches will be televised to a national U.S. television audience on Telemundo. Futbol de Primera, carried by 70 Spanish-language radio stations across the United States, will provide live radio coverage of all matches.

The team, ranked 7th in the latest FIFA world rankings, is preparing for regional World Cup Qualifying matches in June.

The Coca-Cola system has been involved with football for more than 70 years, dating back to the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. The scope of the company’s involvement ranges from the grassroots level to the FIFA World Cup and reaches almost every country where Coca-Cola does business. In addition to grassroots programs, club leagues, national teams and confederations, the Company sponsors major events including the Africa Cup of Nations, Copa America, the FIFA World Youth Championship and Copa Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola Cup), an annual international tournament for teens.

Contact:

Dan A. Schafer
Director, North American Communications
Tel – (404) 676-2121
Fax – (404) 515-6428
pressinquiries@na.ko.com