Satyam official IT provider for FIFA World Cup

Satyam Computer Services has been appointed as the official IT Services Provider to the FIFA World Cup. The Indian services giant, which is also an Official Sponsor of the World Cup, will provide IT services to both the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 cup in Brazil.

Under the agreement, Satyam will work to develop the core IT solutions to manage the event, as well as work with MATCH Services AG, the service partner for IT, accommodation and hospitality.

B. Ramalinga Raju, chairman and founder of Satyam, said: "Our sponsorship recognizes the sport's universal appeal and its tradition of skill, speed, competitiveness and teamwork - attributes that reflect Satyam's own qualities. Over the last two decades Satyam has become an established global company and this sponsorship will serve to further increase Satyam's global expansion and accelerate its growth."

Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA commented: "I am very proud that Satyam has chosen the FIFA World Cup for this historic move. Satyam's commitment is a testimony to the immense appeal of FIFA as a superior marketing platform for transporting a brand far and wide around the world. It is a big advantage for all those involved in the events to have such an experienced IT service partner on board. We look forward to working with such a dedicated partner who shares our ideals and mission to use football as a tool to develop the game, touch the world and to build a better future."

The agreement also builds on Satyam's existing investment in South Africa. The company already has an office in South Africa, and it is also involved in a skills development program where over 80 South African students are taking part in a technical training program at the Satyam campus in Hyderabad.

Her Excellency Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa commented: "Our involvement with Satyam has proven very strategic. We are encouraged by the shared vision between Satyam and the Republic of South Africa to invest in the people of South Africa. This kind of partnership is one we wish to have with even more companies wishing to do successful business in South Africa. Satyam have realized that to lead, they have to invest in the most valuable resource: human resource. We congratulate Satyam on being named Official IT Services Provider to the FIFA World Cup and their role in delivering the games to the world."