The Maldives has signed a USD 2.7 million sponsorship deal with La Liga club Celta Vigo as a part of the country’s efforts to attract sports tourism.
Tourism Minister Ali Waheed and Celta Vigo President Carlos Mouriño signed the partnership agreement at a ceremony held at Regio Hall of A Sede in Vigo, Spain. Vice President of Celta Vigo Pedro Posada and President of Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Bassam Adeel Jaleel were also present at the ceremony.
“It is for us, the Celtic RC, an honour and enormous satisfaction that we have chosen to promote the beauties of their islands,” After signing the agreement Mouriño stated.
Under the three-year partnership which costs USD 900,000 per year, covers the development of football in the Maldives and  ‘Maldives… The Sunny Side of Life’ branding will be featured on the sleeve of the game shirts and training kits of Celta’s first team. In Addition to that, The club’s official bus, as well as various spaces in the Abanca Balaidos stadium and fields of training will also feature the Maldives’ tourism branding.
“This agreement will greatly promote tourism and sports and will strengthen the foundation of our team and football in our country,” Tourism minister Ali Waheed revealed.
“We want to thank RC Celta for allowing us to bring the ‘Sunny Side of Life’ to this club. From this moment on, we are also the ‘Sunny Side of RC Celta’.” He further stated.