Brazilians and Singaporeans are passionate about football. So it is just natural that both countries come together to promote the sport, especially in view of the Brazilian expertise, five times World Champion. Brazilian football excellence and tradition are well-know to Singapore and Asia, but Brazilian teams, although six times World Cup Champions, are still largely unknown in the region, if only for historical reasons. But is changing, thanks to the vision of Brazilian and Singaporean football leaders. In December 2006, Dr. Fabio Koff, the President of Clube dos Treze, the league of the 20 major football clubs in Brazil, visited Singapore and unveiled plans for Brazilian football in the region. In February 2007, Dr. Koff signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Sports Council. In this MOU, Clube dos Treze and SSC, working with the Football Association of Singapore, have entered into a relationship of cooperation and assistance for the promotion of football in both countries, through exchange programs, the exchange of information, exhibition matches, among others. The MOU follow agreements between ST Teleport and Clube dos Treze, which will allow Brazilian football to be broadcasted in Asia. In February 2006, Clube dos Treze brought to Singapore a specialist in Sports Science, Dr. Elio Carravetta, who organized two weeks of football clinics with Singaporean youngsters. The spirit of these events demonstrated the great opportunities ahead for Brazil-Singapore cooperation in football and sports. From 18-22 June, Clube dos Treze and representatives of Rede Globo and Brazsat participated in BroadcastAsia 2007 and launched in Singapore the Brazilian Football and Leisure Channel, which has ST Teleport as its "Official Carrier and Marketing Partner". The league also launched the Brazilian Football web portal www.clube13.com.sg, a world-class e-commerce portal in several languages to address the entire Asia-Pacific and Middle East market. |
