Adidas reports stronger sales

FRANKFURT: The German sportswear and equipment company Adidas said on Monday that Euro 2008 football-related sales were already 50 percent stronger than during the championships in 2004.

Adidas, the second-biggest sporting goods group worldwide behind Nike but number one in football (soccer) is "already a Euro winner," according to a statement datelined Vienna, where the firm-sponsored German team was set for its final first-round match against Austria.

Sales of clothing and football boots this year are even 10 percent greater than in 2006, when German hosted wht World Cup, the company noted.

Details on sales figures were not provided, however. Adidas provides the official match ball and uniforms for referees and linesmen.

In addition to Germany, it also sponsors the French, Greek, Romanian and Spanish teams. Around 100 players in the tournament use Adidas boots as well.