The Kaspersky Lab-sponsored Melbourne Demons is Set to Play the First Ever Australian Football Game in China

Hong Kong – November 30, 2009 – Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content management solutions and the sponsor of the Australian Football League (AFL)’s Melbourne Football Club, announced that the AFL will hold an exhibition game in Shanghai on 17 October 2010. The game between Brisbane and Melbourne will be the first AFL game to be held in China. It will be held at Jiangwan Sports Centre in the Yangpu District.

David Matthews, AFL General Manager National and International Development, attended the official signing ceremony held at KIC Resource Center, along with representatives from the government of Shanghai’s Yangpu District. “We are excited to be able to demonstrate the unique style and techniques of Australian football to sports fans in Shanghai,” said Mr. Matthews, who was accompanied by the newly appointed coach of the AFL team GWS (Greater Western Sydney), Kevin Sheedy on a visit to Shanghai in June. “We will continue to maintain this kind of international partnership.” The stadium at Jiangwan Sports Center, which is located in Yangpu District, is able to accommodate more than 30,000 spectators. Before the game between Brisbane and Melbourne, two teams from local universities will play the opening match. The game between the two top AFL teams will be played during the Shanghai World Expo 2010, and is a showcase of Australian tradition for Shanghai's citizens.

John Brumby, Premier of Victoria has revealed that the state government will invest about $6 million during the World Expo to showcase its financial strength and foster its relationship with China, the state's largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between Victoria and China is currently more than $11 billion.

“It is expected that more than 70 million visitors will participate the Shanghai World Expo next year,” said Mr. Brumby. “It is a golden opportunity for the state of Victoria to showcase its talent, its economic and commercial strength, as well as its environment for innovation.”

Mr. Cameron Schwab, CEO of Melbourne Football Club has indicated that the game will present a fantastic opportunity for both sides to strengthen their friendship and cooperation following a visit to China in 2008.

"We look forward to participating in this spectacular event so that we can showcase the Australian football on the world’s stage,” said Mr. Schwab. “The visit will also prove to be an exciting cultural experience from which I am sure that we will benefit.”

Mr. Michael Bowers, Chief Executive of Brisbane Lions Football Club is also enthusiastic about his club’s participation in this landmark match and said; “The AFL exhibition game will give us a fantastic opportunity to promote Australian football on a global basis.”

Australian football contributes $3.4 billion to the country’s economy every year. More than 7 million people take part in or watch Australian football each year. There are over 700,000 registered participants for Australian football in Australia, as well as 45,000 Australian football players in 35 countries worldwide.

Melbourne Football Club and Brisbane Lions Football Club will play the inaugural game for the Kaspersky AFL Cup. Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content management solutions, is not only the name sponsor but also is a major partner for Melbourne Football Club.

Mr. Harry Cheung, Kaspersky Lab’s Managing Director in the Asia-Pacific region remarked; “Kaspersky Lab is delighted to sponsor the Kaspersky AFL Cup. The company is confident that the game can showcase excellent Australian culture to an international audience.” Mr. Cheung also commented, “We are very proud of our sponsorship with Melbourne Football Club, and we are delighted to be able to foster our cooperation with the AFL, through organizing a global game like the one between Melbourne and Brisbane in China.”