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Pepsi put fizz in FA

Fizzy drink giant Pepsi has become the latest big brand to sign-up as an official partner of the English Football Association.

Pepsi becomes the official FA partner in the development of youth football, as well as shared sponsorship of the FA's premier properties - the FA Cup and England national team.

The deal runs up to and including the 2006 World Cup.

Pepsi joins Carlsberg, Nationwide, Umbro and McDonalds as part of the new FA sponsor family.

As FA partner in youth football, Pepsi will become title sponsors to the FA Youth Cup and FA County Youth Cup.

"Investing back in football is a key part of Pepsi's strategy. We have beneficial alliances with Manchester United and Real Madrid, and strong long-term partnerships with players such as England captain David Beckham," said Karen Goffe, director of marketing, Pepsi UK.