Global: Fast Track to bolster Omani football's image

The organisation wants to drive engagement in Omani football among fans across the Middle East and beyond.

Chime Communications' sports and entertainment agency Fast Track has been hired to handle the association's international comms.

The football governing body has recently relaunched its brand and is looking to capitalise on a period of Omani success on the pitch. The national team has reached the final stages of qualification for the 2014 World Cup, while the under-23 team narrowly missed out on a place at the London 2012 Olympics after a play-off loss to Senegal.

Oman FA commercial director Nic Cartwright said: 'We have a great opportunity to capitalise on our success by building a long-term fan base in the Middle East and raising awareness of Omani football around the world.'

Fast Track will focus on building a following for the team across the association's digital and social media platforms. The agency aims to 'create heroes' out of existing and emerging Omani talent across traditional media. Target markets include the UK, Germany, Italy and France, and pan-GCC countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman.

Plans include a campaign to encourage people to get behind the team by pledging to 'Support the Shirt'. Fans will be asked to post their thoughts on the new national team kit on Facebook.