Li Jin’ge, Prime Minister John Key, Wellington Phoenix Chariman Rob Morrison

Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, has extended its sponsorship with the Australian A-League soccer club Wellington Phoenix. This extension, announced in Beijing on Monday, will see the company support the club for another three seasons.

The announcement was made in Beijing on Monday by Huawei Global Board Director and Asia Pacific President Li Jin’ge. It was also attended by New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key, as part of his visit to China.

Huawei signed a three-year deal to become the major sponsor of the Phoenix in 2013. Under this extended partnership, the club will return to play in the Hong Kong tournament later this year. Also, the pair are now in talks about the club playing pre-season matches in Beijing.

Though financial terms have not been revealed, this deal is reportedly the largest sponsorship deal in New Zealand football history.

"This partnership has been outstanding for Huawei, building our profile in Australasia, and providing amazing experiences for our customers and friends in New Zealand," said Li Jin'ge.

As the club’s general manager David Dome said, "Huawei have become integral to the way we do things at the Phoenix. They are included in all the major decisions that we make as a club.”

Huawei's renewed sponsorship follows Football Federation Australia issuing a 10-year licence to the Phoenix to secure the club's future.

Source: stuff.co.nz & scoop.co.nz

Proofread by John Devlin.