SportBusiness.com

NATIONWIDE TO DROP ENGLAND SPONSORSHIP

Nationwide Building Society will not be renewing its sponsorship arrangements with the Football Association when the current deal expires after the World Cup in 2006.

Over the last 10 years, Nationwide has been team sponsor and official partner of the England team, an official partner of the FA Cup and the women's game.

It is still the sponsor of the Nationwide Conference, official partner of the Scotland team and sponsor of the Wales and Northern Ireland teams.

In addition, Nationwide spent eight seasons as sponsor of the
Nationwide Football League and says it still plans to maintain a high-profile within football sponsorship.

Peter Gandolfi, Nationwide's head of brand marketing, said: "Nationwide has been involved with football for a decade and we will continue as a sponsor of football throughout the UK.

"However, after a fruitful six-year relationship with the Football Association, we believe that this partnership has run its course.

"As a mutual organisation, Nationwide needs to ensure its activities are always in the best interests of its members and all opportunities must represent value for money."