Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC on Friday announced a strategic football and commercial partnership with Brazilian club Avaí Futebol Clube.
It’s India’s first partnership with a Brazilian football club, and is part of OFC’s Global Football Alliance initiative. Two months ago, Odisha FC signed a three-year deal with English Premiership club Watford FC.
Almost 100 years old, Avaí Futebol Clube is from Florianopolis in Santa Catarina, and is renowned for its strong academy, with many players going on to represent the national team.
The partnership will involve sharing of technical information, working with basic categories, training and even the exchange of players. All professionals from Avaí’s technical committee and youth categories will be available for the development of football in Odisha.
Avai head coach Claudinei Oliveira has participated in a video conference with coaching staff of OFC, including the Bhubaneswar-based club’s Spanish head coach Francisco ‘Kiko’ Ramírez González. Claudinei’s experience, knowledge and ideas will help Odisha FC in their upcoming campaign in ISL-8.
“We are delighted and proud to announce our partnership with Avaí Futebol Clube – a club with great tradition and history. Our first partnership in the South American continent brings many opportunities for both clubs’ to learn from each other, but also strengthen the bond between the two countries,” said Odisha FC president Raj Athwal.
“Avai FC who currently plays in the First Division of Brazilian football can support us with the development of youth players, the academy in Odisha and also allow us to provide the very best in business and commercial strategies on which we’ll conceive, design and implement for the benefit of both the clubs’ and their respective states.”
