Liverpool for SA: the writing’s on the wall
A screenshot of the action at Anfield overnight, with the South Australian advertising prominent behind the goal line.
Among the Liverpool crests and sponsor logos at the famous Anfield stadium overnight, there was another, less familiar symbol for English football fans – the distinctive brand of South Australia.
Behind the goals, the hoarding pushed a web address – southaustralia.com – resplendent in Liverpool red.
And why would South Australia be pushing its tourism website at the blockbuster Liverpool v Chelsea match?
The answer is that the State Government is deep in negotiations with Liverpool to host an exhibition match involving the famous club at Adelaide Oval this year.
The best part? The advertising is free.
The extraordinary deal arose as a result of the talks, a spokesman for Tourism Minister Leon Bignell confirmed today.
“We are still talking to Liverpool about the prospect of them playing here,” the spokesman said.
“We took the opportunity to advertise at their home ground.”
Last night was the first outing for the South Australia advertising, which will now run for every Liverpool home game until the end of the English Premier League season – a total of at least 11 games, and potentially more depending on Liverpool’s Cup progress.
Speculation is now rife that an announcement is imminent about a confirmed exhibition match at Adelaide Oval against a local team, most likely Adelaide United.
Liverpool Football Club fans. Photo: Shutterstock
After successful tours of Australia by Manchester United and Juventus in the last two years, the FFA has been keen to lure another big overseas club.
“FFA is in discussions with several big European clubs to find the right opponent to play the Foxtel A-League All Stars next July,” an FFA spokesperson told media last year.
“Nothing is finalised at this stage, but there’s certainly an appetite among state government agencies, stadiums and broadcasters to be part of the show.
“The great thing for Australian football is that we have huge credibility after the success of the All Stars matches against Manchester United and Juventus.”
The Courier-Mail newspaper in Brisbane reported yesterday that Liverpool would play the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.
