Maib and Mastercard sign a strategic partnership to support the national football
Maib, the largest bank in Moldova, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, reaffirm their commitment to supporting sports performance and community development. Following the announcement of their assistance for the year’s biggest running event Chisinau Marathon by maib | mastercard 2025, the collaboration between maib and in the sports sector is advancing to the next level by backing the national football.
Moldova’s banking sector leader, and Mastercard have signed a strategic partnership with the Moldovan Football Federation (FMF). As main Partners, maib and Mastercard are committed to supporting national football, both the men’s and women’s national teams, and initiatives dedicated to nurturing young talents and promoting the sport in schools.
Giorgi Shagidze, CEO of maib:
“We are humbled and proud to launch the partnership with Moldovan Football Federation supporting a loved sport and contributing to its success. For us success is not just about the digits on the scoreboard, it is about the people, the involvement, the passion, it is about encouraging big dreams. Internally maib loves football too having its own football team for over 20 years and organizing internal football tournament with hundreds of maib colleagues taking part. Via this partnership we want to demonstrate our commitment to national football, on both professional and amateur levels, we want to support Moldovan national team in its international quest for success. I would like to thank Mastercard for supporting our vision of giving back to the community and FMF for the values that we both share.”
Irina Untila, Country Manager Mastercard in Moldova:
“Football is more than just a game. It is a force that unites millions of people around the world. Mastercard has supported the development of football for over 30 years as a partner of the UEFA Champions League, creating priceless moments for fans across the globe. Today, together with the Moldovan Football Federation and our trusted partner maib, we are opening a new chapter, uniting efforts to develop football in Moldova – from school fields, where young athletes take their first steps, to the national team that represents the country on the international stage. This partnership is our collective contribution to the future of football in Moldova. We are proud to be part of this journey, laying the foundation for new victories and inspiring stories.”
Leonid Oleinicenco, President of the Moldovan Football Federation:
“Today, we are happy to announce that the Moldovan football team has grown. We are excited and honoured to introduce new members to the Moldovan football team: the most recognized team in Moldova’s banking sector – maib, together with Mastercard.
We thank the management team at maib for deciding to become a part of Moldovan football and to support its development.
We also thank Mastercard for joining Moldova’s football team. Your support will help Moldovan football take the next step forward.
Rest assured that the FMF team always appreciates the efforts of its partners, and we will actively support our new members – maib and Mastercard – so that we can grow and develop together.”
It is worth noting that the bank has always actively promoted Moldovan sports at the national level, supporting sports committees and relevant events over the years. In late 2024, maib signed a partnership with the National Teams’ Sports Training Center. However, the partnership with the Moldovan Football Federation (FMF) marks a first for maib, being the most significant collaboration the bank has had with institutions developing Moldovan football. Throughout the partnership, maib and Mastercard will actively contribute to FMF’s initiatives, including the “Football in schools” program, to inspire and train new generations of athletes.
Maib and Mastercard - we support the national football!
About maib
is the largest bank in the Republic of Moldova and the country’s banking sector leader. Maib team has over 2,400 employees, representing just over a quarter of Moldova’s banking workforce. Through its corporate social responsibility policy, the bank is actively involved in projects supporting the country’s economic and social development, contributing to community prosperity through innovative financial solutions and corporate partnerships.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
About FMF
The Moldovan Football Federation is the governing body of football in the Republic of Moldova, with the mission to develop and promote the sport at all levels. FMF supports national teams, football clubs, and projects dedicated to young players, implementing strategies to improve sports infrastructure, coach training, and enhance national team performance.
Through initiatives such as “Football in schools”, FMF actively contributes to the sports education of the younger generation and the strengthening of a football culture in the Republic of Moldova.
