Sao Paulo, Brazil, September 18, 2003. Soccer legend Pelé, his son and former Santos goalkeeper Edinho, and Shep Messing, former United States and international soccer star and teammate of Pelé’s, today announced the launch of Global Sport Group. The new sports representation company, whose Brazilian subsidiary, Pelé Global Brazil, will be headquartered in Sao Paulo, offers international representation and integrated wealth management services for professional soccer players. With offices in New York, São Paulo and affiliates throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, Global offers its clients truly international representation as well as a full range of integrated wealth management services, all provided with the highest standard for integrity, ethics and honesty.

‘Having the launch of newly created Global Sport Group in Brazil is a recognition of the fact that Brazilian players are not only the most sought after talent in the world, but often the most victimized,’ said Edinho, Managing Director of Global Brazil Pelé and co-founder of Global Sport Group. ‘Unfortunately, the great soccer wealth of our nation has attracted the least ethical practices among soccer agents. Young players routinely sign away their rights to individuals who promise them the world only to see the lion’s share of their money taken by the intermediaries. Millions and millions of dollars are being sapped out of the game and away from our young players by intermediaries who act in their own best interest instead of the interests of the player. We’re here to put an end to that practice. We are here for the player,’ said Edinho.

Pelé enthusiastically supported the new venture, headed by his son and former teammate saying, ‘Our sport has been in need of a new standard in the representation of its athletes. Global Sport Group and Global Brazil Pelé set that standard.’ ‘This marks the fulfillment of a vision and a goal that I have always shared with Pelé: to help players build their careers by guiding them as ethical, objective advocates,’ said Messing. Offering a fully integrated set of services, Global Sport Group will not only be responsible for negotiating contracts and sponsorships for its clients, but also for developing strategic communications and public relations strategies designed for increasing the players’ brand image and market value. The firm will also be handling all of its client’s financial needs, including tax planning and compliance, financial planning, money management and assistance with charitable giving.

‘While U.S. athletes have enjoyed the benefits of professional representation in their major sports for years, no firm has brought that standard to international soccer,’ said Shep Messing. ‘Global Sport Group was created to provide professional athletes with the guidance and representation that they need during their careers and throughout their retirement. Our objective is for all of our clients to be successful in their sport, realize the value that they have created for themselves and to be financially secure and independent in their retirement,’ said Shep Messing. ‘Above all, we distinguish ourselves by acting as un-conflicted, professional advocates for our clients. The long-term best interest of our clients provides the fundamental guiding principal for every action we take,’ added Mr. Messing.

For more information, please visit Global Sport Group website www.globalsportgroup.com or contact:

Neil Hopkins
Account Director
Sports Marketing and Sponsorship
Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd
t: +44 (0)20 7413 3789
f: +44 (0)20 7973 4442
m: +44 (0)7968 716 938
nhopkins@hillandknowlton.com