Schalke, which lost to Manchester United in the semi-finals of this season’s UEFA Champions League, first linked up with Gazprom in 2006. The original deal was due to expire next year, but the new agreement will extend the partnership through to June 30, 2017.
According to the DPA news agency, the new deal could be worth around Eur15 million per year. Although financial details have not been officially disclosed, the previous deal – reportedly worth up to Eur20 million per year – was thought to be one of the most lucrative in world football.
“During the conversations, the great success of the partnership between Schalke 04 and Gazprom was emphasised,” stated the club, which is based in Gelsenkirchen. “Gazprom quickly established itself at the top of the German football sponsorship through the deal with Schalke and has stayed there for several years.”
