Mastercard Brings UEFA Champions League Finals to Nairobi in Spectacular Viewing Event

• The viewing event showcased Mastercard's dedication to providing priceless experiences for its valued partners and demonstrated the strength of its collaboration with UEFA.
• Mastercard leveraged the popularity and global reach of the UEFA Champions League to connect with football enthusiasts and enhance their passion for the beautiful game.

Nairobi, Kenya – 12 June 2023:  Mastercard successfully organized a highly anticipated event bringing together partners, sports legends, and other personalities for an exclusive viewing of the UEFA Champions League final match between Manchester City and Inter Milan. The event offered football enthusiasts an opportunity to indulge in their shared passion for the game while witnessing the pinnacle of European club football. 

Over 150 Mastercard partners were present at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi to watch the two finalists battle for the championship in the final match of the season. Also present to enjoy the live football action were Kenyan football coaching legend Jacob “Ghost” Mulee, who moderated the pre and post-match analysis supported by Fareed Khimani, football analyst Njeri Meg, and Nigerian football legend Joseph Yobo.

In addition to the thrilling match itself, Mastercard arranged for various engaging activities during the event, including an innovation center, and digital experiences that highlighted the company's commitment to enhancing fan engagement.

The UEFA Champions League has captivated millions of fans worldwide from June 2022 to June 2023, showcasing the exceptional talent of the finest 32 teams in Europe. As an official sponsor of the tournament, Mastercard's aim was to create unforgettable experiences for football lovers across the globe.

Shehryar Ali, the Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard, expressed the significance of hosting this event in Nairobi. He stated, "We saw a tremendous opportunity to engage with our partners and fans in Kenya through this viewing event. Tonight, we exemplified our commitment to delivering priceless experiences and nurturing the love for sports in the region. By partnering with UEFA, we successfully brought the magic of this prestigious tournament directly to the local community. We take immense pride in being a part of this historic event and eagerly anticipate forging more meaningful connections through the power of football."

For over 20 years Mastercard has been a supporter of the UEFA Champions League and has been giving priceless experiences to football fans globally. Through this collaboration, Mastercard effectively utilized the popularity and global reach of the UEFA Champions League to connect with football enthusiasts, further fueling their passion for the beautiful game. Kenya, known for its vibrant and passionate football culture, boasts an unwavering fan base that avidly follows European club football.

In a thrilling conclusion to the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City, emerged as the victorious team, securing a memorable win in the final match. Their exceptional performance on the field epitomized the highest level of skill and determination, leaving football fans around the world captivated. The outcome of the final match epitomized the fierce competition and indomitable spirit that characterizes European club football, leaving an enduring impact on fans across the globe.

Mastercard's event in Nairobi was not only a testament to the company's dedication to fostering strong partnerships and innovation, but also a reflection of its commitment to the local community. The event showcased the power of shared experiences and connecting people, reinforcing Mastercard’s position as a leader in delivering unforgettable moments and fostering connections through the power of sports.