Ahli have extended their sponsorship association with telecommunications company Vodafone by three years, the Egyptian champions announced on Wednesday. The new deal, which is reportedly worth EGP54 million, will run until the end of 2011. "Vodafone's financial backing is essential. We will not be able to pay for new signings without their help," Ahli chairman Hassan Hamdi said during a press conference. "They were our partners for the past seven years, during which the club enjoyed great success and won many titles." The sponsorship deal, which was initially struck in 2002, is extended for the third time. "We are proud to be the sponsors of a big club like Ahli," Vodafone chief executive Hatem Dowidar said. "The cooperation between Vodafone and Ahli is very beneficial for both sides. I hope that we will enjoy even greater success in the coming years." Ahli's new Adidas kit was also unveiled during the press conference. The Red Devils will wear it for the first time when they take part in the Wembley Cup later this month. The shirt did not feature the team's logo, to the surprise of the conference attendees. Ahli will face European and Spanish champions Barcelona, Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic and English side Tottenham Hotspur in the friendly tournament, which will run from July 24-26.
