Vauxhall have announced it’s to step away from its role as lead sponsor of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland national football teams.

The car manufacturer, which has been lead sponsor of the Home Nations’ national teams since 2011, will end its deal after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

A statement released today read:  

“Vauxhall Motors today announced that it will be stepping down from its role as lead sponsor of the England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland football teams beyond the World Cup in 2018. 

Vauxhall has, however, agreed to explore other opportunities to continue its relationship with the FAs beyond the conclusion of the existing contracts.

Since 2011, Vauxhall has been very proud to be the lead sponsor for each of the four Home Nations football associations, the first time this has ever been undertaken by a major organisation.

During this time, Vauxhall has enjoyed excellent relations with all the associations and the partnerships have proved extremely successful in delivering its original targeted strategic objectives.

Vauxhall will now concentrate its marketing resources on communicating the wealth of new, innovative and technologically advanced models that will be launched over the coming months and years.”

There has yet to be any comment from the national associations but the news will surely come as a blow with the English FA thought to earn around £5m per year from the deal.