Creating a small slice of history, non-league sides Ascot United and Wembley FC will be the first teams ever to have their football match streamed live on Facebook.
The match, an extra-preliminary FA Cup qualifying-round fixture to be played at United’s 1 150 capacity home stadium, will streamed live via the social network on Friday evening UK time.
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The stream is being organised by brewing giant Budweiser, which recently was announced as the new title sponsors of “The FA Cup with Budweiser”, as the tournament is now officially known.
In a press release, Budweiser marketing director Ian Newell said, “As a long-standing supporter of football globally, Budweiser is committed to bringing the world’s most prestigious knockout competition closer to the fans”.
“The FA Cup started 140 years ago this year… And what better way to demonstrate our commitment than by broadcasting the very first kick to a global audience via Facebook.”
Mike Harrison, Chairman of Ascot United, added, “To be involved in the first game of The FA Cup this season is an honour in itself, but to be part of a world first and have our match broadcast to a massive global audience is fantastic for our club”.
There were no immediate details as to whether this was a one-time event or if any other matches would be streamed over Facebook during the FA Cup’s run.
To view the match, one must click “Like” on Budweiser UK’s Facebook page. Already, there are posts on the page from excited fans looking for further details on the livestream.
According to the Guardian, shortly after the announcement near on 6000 fans had clicked “Like” on Budweiser UK’s Facebook page.
Budweiser, a global brand, has previously made innovative use of Facebook as a marketing tool. In 2010, the brewer urged its US fans to vote for their favourite ad, the winning pick being air during that years Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIV.
Sadly for younger football fans, the statement closes with the reminder that as an “event” sponsored by an alcoholic beverage company, only those over the age of 18 will be able to view the live stream.
