Sponsorship stubbed out
Tobacco company Philip Morris is sponsoring the Dynasty Cup for the last time because of anti-smoking policies around the world.
Philip Morris is believed to have invested more than US$2 million in the four-nation tournament, which was first held in August, 1990.
This year, prize money totalled US$750,000, up 50 per cent from the last tournament.
Peter Velappan, secretary-general of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), confirmed yesterday that organisers were now looking for a new sponsor.
'This is the last Dynasty Cup being sponsored by Philip Morris. We have been looking for a new sponsor,' said Velappan.
'It is not yet the AFC's policy to reject tobacco sponsorship, though some Asian countries now have such laws.' Velappan was confident a new sponsor would be found.
