Hyundai Motor said Wednesday that its vice chairman Kim Dong-jin and FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter signed the official partnership contract at the 75th Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, as an official partner, Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors will have main sponsorship rights for all FIFA events between 2007 and 2014, including the 2010 and 2014 World Cup finals.

Hyundai is the second company following Adidas of Germany to clinch the eight-year official partnership deal with FIFA. The German sporting goods manufacturer signed the official partnership contract with FIFA last January.

Only six companies can join FIFA?s official partnership, which grants rights to sponsor entire football games organized by the international football organization during the eight-year period, whereas eight companies can become official sponsors for World Cup finals.

The automotive business group is also sponsoring the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals to be held in Germany as an official partner.

``I am very proud to be able to welcome yet another trusted partner back on board as FIFA launches into a new era,?? Blatter was quoted as saying by Hyundai Motor.

``Hyundai and Kia share our deep-rooted passion for the game of football as well as a commitment to developing the sport around the world and through all walks of life,?? he added.

Hyundai vice chairman Kim said the carmaker will exert all-out efforts on assisting FIFA as an official partner.
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