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Soccer celebrities Pelé and Shep Messing unite
to launch Global Sport Group
The new company will offer international representation and
truly integrated wealth management and public relations advising
services under the highest standard of integrity, ethics and honesty,
aimed at increasing the visibility of the clients' brand image and
increasing their market value.
Sao Paulo, Brazil, September 18, 2003. Soccer legend Pelé and Shep Messing, former
United States and international soccer star and teammate of Pelé's,
today announced the launch of Global Sport Group. The new sports
representation company, whose Brazilian subsidiary, Global Brasil
Pelé, will be headquartered in Sao Paulo, offers international
representation and integrated wealth management services for professional
soccer players. With offices in New York, São Paulo and affiliates
throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, Global offers its clients truly
international representation as well as a full range of integrated
wealth management services, all provided with the highest standard
for integrity, ethics and honesty.
"Having the launch of newly created Global Sport Group in
Brazil is a recognition of the fact that Brazilian players are not
only the most sought after talent in the world, but often the most
victimized," said Mr. Messing, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Global Sport Group. "Unfortunately,
the great soccer wealth of Brazil has attracted the least ethical
practices among soccer agents. Young players routinely sign away
their rights to individuals who promise them the world only to see
the lion's share of their money taken by the intermediaries. Millions
and millions of dollars are being sapped out of the game and away
from our young players by intermediaries who act in their own best
interest instead of the interests of the player. We're here to put
an end to that practice. We are here for the player," said
Edinho.
Pelé enthusiastically supported the new venture, headed
by his former teammate saying, "Our sport has been
in need of a new standard in the representation of its athletes.
Global Sport Group and Global Brasil Pelé set that standard."
"This marks the fulfillment of a vision and a goal that I have
always shared with Pelé: to help players build their careers
by guiding them as ethical, objective advocates," said Messing.
Offering a fully integrated set of services, Global Sport Group
will not only be responsible for negotiating contracts and sponsorships
for its clients, but also for developing strategic communications
and public relations strategies designed for increasing the players'
brand image and market value. The firm will also be handling all
of its client's financial needs, including tax planning and compliance,
financial planning, money management and assistance with charitable
giving.
"While U.S. athletes have enjoyed the benefits of professional
representation in their major sports for years, no firm has brought
that standard to international soccer," said Shep Messing.
"Global Sport Group was created to provide professional athletes
with the guidance and representation that they need during their
careers and throughout their retirement. Our objective is for all
of our clients to be successful in their sport, realize the value
that they have created for themselves and to be financially secure
and independent in their retirement," said Shep Messing. "Above
all, we distinguish ourselves by acting as un-conflicted, professional
advocates for our clients. The long-term best interest of our clients
provides the fundamental guiding principal for every action we take,"
added Mr. Messing.
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