Sports
Visa Raises Global Investment in Women’s Football
Heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™, Visa has announced an expanded commitment to women’s football, leveraging the brand’s sponsorship platform to inspire women athletes amidst the global gender equality and women’s empowerment movement.
“Sport presents a huge opportunity for women to pursue their dreams on and off the field,” said Lynne Biggar, chief marketing and communications officer, Visa. “Women make the vast majority of consumer purchases and start millions of small businesses a year. By making a substantial investment in women’s initiatives, including soccer, Visa is celebrating this powerful global force.”
Visa’s newest investments include supporting Women’s Soccer in the United States and Beyond; and partnership with United States Soccer Federation.
Visa has entered a five-year sponsorship agreement with the world leader in women’s soccer, the U.S. Soccer Federation, to contribute to its long-standing investment in the development of women’s soccer and support the U.S. Women’s National Team through 2023.
The support of U.S. Women’s Soccer complements Visa’s global investment in women’s soccer through partnerships with UEFA Women’s Football and Visa’s longstanding partnership with FIFA, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018.
Visa will be the presenting sponsor of the SheBelieves Cup, which was started in the run-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, a four-team women’s international team tournament played in the United States each year.
The tournament is based around U.S. Soccer’s SheBelieves initiative, focused on inspiring young girls and women to accomplish their goals and dreams. The agreement between U.S. Soccer and Visa was facilitated by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), U.S. Soccer’s partner for the past 15 years.
“We are incredibly excited Visa is partnering with us on our overall mission to become the preeminent sport in the U.S.,” said Jay Berhalter, chief commercial officer, U.S. Soccer. “With Visa joining us in our long-term investment in women’s soccer, we will continue to increase opportunities for women players, coaches and referees at all levels. Overall, we are looking forward to Visa helping us reach our mission by increasing participation, developing world class players, coaches and referees, and increasing fan engagement.”
“Soccer United Marketing is proud to facilitate this multi-year partnership between U.S. Soccer and Visa,” said Jen Cramer, senior vice president, SUM. “We are always looking to establish partnerships with iconic, forward-thinking brands who are committed to advancing the game and developing female leaders for the next generation both in athletics and business. This exciting relationship between Visa and U.S. Soccer will elevate soccer’s popularity to even higher levels in North America, especially in advance of this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™.”
Also, Visa is launching a new U.S. marketing campaign celebrating the U.S. Women’s National Team. The centerpiece is a new ad spotlighting stars Mallory Pugh, Becky Sauerbrunn, Rose Lavelle, Jessica McDonald, Abby Dahlkemper and Adrianna Franch as they attempt to earn a fourth star by winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ title. The ad provides a glimpse into the players’ hard work and determination as they strive to achieve greatness on the world stage this summer. This builds upon Visa’s new global ad campaign, “One Moment Can Change the Game,” focused on elevating women in sports.
“My teammates inspire me in so many ways every day,” said Mallory Pugh, United States Women’s National Team Forward. “I am so proud to be part of Visa’s campaign which celebrates athletes the way we are and showcases the magic moments on the field. Visa’s campaign is another incredibly empowering message for women and girls.”
At the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, Visa is the presenting sponsor of the Player of the Match, celebrating women soccer players. Soccer fans worldwide will have the opportunity to vote on FIFA.com for their favourite player for each of the 52 matches during the tournament. Players can be selected for their outstanding performance – amazing play, display of sportsmanship, or some other moment on the field.
The Player of the Match, Presented by Visa, trophy is designed to celebrate and create an opportunity for fans to have a voice and contribute to the growing recognition of the women in soccer across the world.
Team Visa Expansion
Visa’s roster of Team Visa athletes is expanding, as 18 new women’s soccer players from 16 countries will join Team Visa. They include: Ellie Carpenter (Australia), Christine Sinclair (Canada), Nadia Nadim (Denmark), Lucy Bronze (England), Fran Kirby (England), Nikita Parris (England), Eugenie Le Sommer(France), Dzsenifer Marozsán (Germany), Laura Giuliani (Italy), Shanice vd Sanden (Netherlands), Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Ewa Pajor (Poland), Kim Little (Scotland), Ramona Bachmann (Switzerland), Alexia Putellas (Spain), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden), Didem Karagenç (Turkey) and Megan Rapinoe (United States).
Since the beginning of the Team Visa program in 2000, on average fifty four percent of Team Visa have been women, including the newly announced 18 women soccer players from around the world. The program has supported more than 400 athletes and aims to provide athletes with the resources needed to achieve their goals on and off the field.
Visa Everywhere Initiative: Women’s Global Edition
On the opening day of the tournament on June 7, Visa will host the finals event for its first global competition focused on celebrating women entrepreneurs who are making strides in Fintech and Social Impact around the world. Twelve finalists from six regions will pitch their solutions for a chance to win the grand prize of $100,000 per challenge.
Uplifting Women from the Field to the Boardroom
Visa’s support for women goes beyond the playing field. Ninety four percent of women in the C-suite have played a sport at some time in their lives.1 Given the correlation between success in sport and business, Visa is a catalyst for supporting and championing women in all facets of life. Visa’s investment in women’s soccer globally builds on Visa’s initiatives that support women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“As a leading sponsor of women’s soccer and advocate for female empowerment, Visa is dedicated to accelerating the growing support of the game, on and off the field,” continued Lynne Biggar, chief marketing and communications officer, Visa. “From championing professional players and celebrating their stories, to tapping into the strength of the Visa brand and elevating the game’s visibility across the world, Visa’s commitment to women’s soccer is here to stay.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Mr Eric Chelle, named five uncapped players in a 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to start in Morocco on December 21.
Two former African Footballer of the Year winners, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, will be looking to change the country’s fortune and win the trophy that slipped the grasp of the Super Eagles earlier this year in Cote D’ Ivoire.
While some expected names made the list, a few others were absent, including strikers Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare, who were not picked. Centre-back Benjamin Fredericks and fullback Ola Aina, are injured while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football after last month’s World Cup playoffs.
However, uncapped right back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Usman Muhammed and striker Salim Fago Lawal were included.
The Super Eagles open their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania in Fes, then face Tunisia four days later and Uganda on December 30.
The Super Eagles went all the way to the final of the last AFCON before losing 1-2 to the host, Cote d’Ivoire, in 2024. They now will be aiming to go one step better in the next tournament where they will be going for their fourth crown.
Mr Chelle will be aiming to join Mr Otto Gloria (1980), Mr Clemens Westerhof (1994) and the late Stephen Keshi (2013), in the league of coaches to win the AFCON trophy for Nigeria.
The host nation Morocco will lead Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
The Group B is also packed with heavyweights consisting of Egypt, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe who will have a lot to prove in the group.
In Group D, 2021 champions Senegal will battle it out with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana, while Group E sees Algeria drawn against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)
Defenders: Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
Midfielders: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Forwards: Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC).
The GameZone Online Arcade now shapes a clear path for modern digital entertainment because many Filipino players see it as a reliable space for relaxed sessions. The section continues to attract users who want simple play that fits their daily routines without forcing them into high-pressure environments. This shift reveals something important about the evolving culture around GameZone. It shows that players want stability more than spectacle and structure more than noise. The Online Arcade answers this need with a design that respects time, mood, and attention. It also reflects the broader movement toward digital spaces that understand the rhythm of local gaming habits.
The Growing Importance of Calm Play in a Fast Digital World
Online gaming once grew through heavy visuals and fast competition, yet the rising influence of the GameZone Online Arcade shows a noticeable change in user priorities. Players today want comfort after long hours of work and constant digital noise. The Online Arcade provides that comfort through games built with clean mechanics and simple structures. This shift deserves attention because it shows how modern players choose their entertainment.
Many players now favor short sessions that give them room to breathe. The Online Arcade supports this pattern through titles that welcome users at any time of the day. The section does not compete for long hours. It respects short breaks. This approach creates a meaningful bond between players and the platform because it supports real life instead of escaping from it.
The clean interface strengthens this trend. The layout removes confusion and gives players immediate clarity. The predictable format lets new users understand each game without anxiety. Returning users feel grounded because the experience never drifts from the calm structure they trust. This steady design gives the Online Arcade a cultural presence inside the GameZone community.
The appeal of calm digital play cannot be ignored. It reflects the pressure of modern life and the need for balanced entertainment that does not add stress. The Online Arcade has become that space, and its popularity shows how players redefine their expectations with each passing month.
Why the Online Arcade Matters in the GameZone Identity
The Online Arcade now stays at the center of GameZone culture because it represents the values many players care about. It provides accessible entertainment without forcing users through complicated choices. It offers short gameplay that aligns with modern schedules. It stands as a reminder that online gaming does not have to be intense to be meaningful.
In many online groups, GameZone players often share their favorite Online Arcade titles because they are easy to describe and easier to recommend. The simplicity of the games creates shared language within these communities. People do not need special knowledge to discuss the experience. This connection builds unity in the fragmented world of digital entertainment.
The structure of the section reinforces the GameZone identity. The stable performance across devices allows players to shift between screens without losing rhythm. This reliability strengthens trust in the platform because many Filipino users rely on their phones for daily play. They need an experience that remains steady even as they move through different environments.
The Online Arcade also helps players navigate new titles without pressure. The gradual learning curve supports the idea that digital play should remain friendly, especially for people who do not have time for deep gaming sessions. This atmosphere helps GameZone welcome new users every day because the entry point remains simple and welcoming.
The growth of the Online Arcade shows that simplicity is not a weakness. It is a feature that resonates with the needs of the modern player. This section stays relevant because it understands that entertainment must adapt to real life, not escape from it.
The Balance Between Engagement and Ease in Daily GameZone Use
Many players form daily routines inside the Online Arcade because the section creates a stable pathway through the platform. The games require only a few minutes, yet those minutes create a sense of connection. This rhythm supports the changing needs of players who seek breaks instead of marathons. It also allows the Online Arcade to remain part of everyday life.
The visual consistency strengthens this daily habit because players do not need to adjust to new designs every time they enter a game. The layout remains clear, which encourages people to experiment with different titles without feeling lost. This consistency shows that GameZone understands how users interact with digital spaces.
Some players shift between Online Arcade titles and the casino content of GameZone. They do this because the platform gives them choices that match their energy for the day. When they want a focused session, they visit the casino features. When they want a calm moment, they return to the Online Arcade. This flexibility has become an important trait of GameZone’s identity.
The stable performance across devices also supports daily use. Many players move through varied environments, from commutes to workspaces to homes. They expect their games to function without issues. GameZone meets this expectation with a design that keeps the Online Arcade responsive at all times.
The daily presence of the Online Arcade in the lives of many Filipino players shows that digital habits are shaped by comfort and consistency. People want reliable entertainment that welcomes them without demand. The section delivers that, and its growth reflects this truth.
Why Online Arcade Engagement Continues to Rise
The steady rise of Online Arcade engagement reveals an important shift in the way digital communities evolve. Many platforms chase complexity, but GameZone shows that clarity and accessibility hold lasting value. The Online Arcade remains relevant because it continues to offer simple play that respects the user’s time.
Returning users rely on the familiar mechanics that do not overwhelm. They can repeat the same patterns without facing steep difficulty. This predictability builds confidence, which is crucial for long-term engagement. New users also find comfort in the same features because they can join without needing to learn unfamiliar controls.
The Online Arcade stands apart from other sections because it does not demand perfect focus. It encourages relaxed play that invites players of all ages. This openness keeps the section ahead of many digital competitors that place heavy emphasis on intense mechanics. The Online Arcade proves that inviting design matters just as much as performance.
The UEFA Champions League reaches a decisive point as Matchday 6 delivers high-stakes fixtures across Europe. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Real Madrid host Manchester City in the round’s biggest clash, while Inter Milan face Liverpool in a meeting of two sides desperate for a statement win.
Tuesday: Inter Host Liverpool in a Heavyweight Clash
The evening begins in Munich where Bayern, now third in the standings, welcome Sporting Lisbon at 6:45 p.m. The match will be live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Bayern’s 3–1 loss to Arsenal halted their momentum, while Sporting arrive eighth with three wins and a strong claim on the last automatic qualification spot.
At 9:00 p.m., Inter Milan host Liverpool, broadcast live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Inter sit fourth after losing their perfect record to Atlético Madrid. Liverpool, 13th and coming off a damaging 4–1 defeat to PSV, desperately need stability. Inter remain favourites to strengthen their top-four position.
Chelsea travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta at 9:00 p.m. The match will air on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Chelsea’s 3–0 win over Barcelona offered relief, but their domestic struggles persist. Atalanta, 10th, have won two straight in Europe, making this a pivotal contest for qualification.
Barcelona return home at 9:00 p.m. to face Eintracht Frankfurt. Viewers can watch live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Barca sit 18th in the UCL despite topping La Liga, and must respond after losing 3–0 to Chelsea. Frankfurt, 28th and out of form, present a crucial opportunity to regain control of their playoff path.
Wednesday: Real Madrid vs Man City Takes Centre Stage
All eyes turn to Madrid as Real Madrid host Manchester City at 9:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Real, fifth, edged Olympiakos 4–3 but remain inconsistent domestically. City, ninth, seek redemption after their first UCL loss, a 2–0 defeat to Leverkusen at home, and need a result to stay in the top-eight mix.
Also at 9:00 p.m., Arsenal visit Club Brugge. The game will air on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Arsenal lead the UCL with 15 points and recently outclassed Bayern. Brugge, 26th, were beaten 3–0 by Sporting and are fighting to hang on to a playoff place.
PSG travel to face Athletic Club at 9:00 p.m. The match will be shown live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). PSG sit second with four wins from five, while Athletic, 27th and winless in Europe, need an upset to stay alive in the competition.
Leverkusen host Newcastle at 9:00 p.m. The game will be live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Leverkusen have surged with back-to-back UCL wins, including a 2–0 victory at Manchester City. Newcastle, now 11th, have lost two straight and must respond to remain within the top-12 seeding bracket.
Matchday 6 Highlights
Tuesday, Dec 9
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Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon — 6:45 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
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Inter Milan vs Liverpool — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
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Atalanta vs Chelsea — 9:00 p.m. (SS Premier League – GOtv 65, DStv 203)
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Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football – GOtv 61, DStv 205)
Wednesday, Dec 10
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Real Madrid vs Manchester City — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
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Club Brugge vs Arsenal — 9:00 p.m. (SS Premier League – GOtv 65, DStv 203)
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Athletic Club vs PSG — 9:00 p.m. (SS La Liga – GOtv 62, DStv 204)
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Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle — 9:00 p.m. (SS Africa 2 – GOtv 64, DStv 208)
Catch Every Moment
Watch every game live on Supersport and Stream all Champions League action live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage your subscription on the MyDStv or MyGOtv app, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com.
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