Adelaide United may be able to secure government sponsorship for the AFC Champions League

ADELAIDE United is on the verge of securing a SA government sponsorship for the duration of its pending AFC Champions League campaign.

ADELAIDE United is on the verge of securing a SA government sponsorship for the duration of its pending AFC Champions League campaign.

United must get past its sudden death clash against China’s Shandong Luneng at Coopers Stadium on February 9 to reap the full benefits of the deal, which could be worth up to $115,000.

In the past the state government has sponsored United via its ‘Study Adelaide’ advertising push for Asia in the club’s previous Champions League campaign.

State government officials claimed the sponsorship deal wasn’t done while Adelaide chief executive Grant Mayer said the club was not yet ready to make a comment.

The Champions League adventure — if Adelaide secures a group stage spot which includes six matches, three at home and three away — is expected to place an added financial burden on the outfit which made a small profit last season.

The Asian Football Confederation will hand Adelaide a $49,200 travel subsidy for each group stage away match which decreases by a little more than $6000 if the Reds make the knockout stage of the international club tournament.

The AFC will also hand the Reds $57,700 for a group stage win and $28,900 for a draw while a loss sees no cash coming their way.

If Adelaide gets to the round of 16 a win would see the Reds earn $115,600.