By Samindra Kunti
December 15 – US sportswear brand Nike has strengthened their European foothold extending their partnership with the French Football Federation until 2026. Nike this week also confirmed a £400 million 12 year renewal of their deal with England.
The value of the French deal was not released but it is likely to be on a par with the English agreement. It means that the appareil giant has locked out two of the biggest national team football brands in long term deals and when both nations are rebuilding, with some success, from a base of young players.
In 2011, Nike replaced rival Adidas as the kit supplier of Les Bleus. They will continue in this role for the next decade. Nike also pledged their commitment to the French amateur game.
“Nike is very proud to extend our long-term relationship with the French Football Federation and we look forward to building upon our successful partnership for years to come,” said Nike president Trevor Edwards.
“This new agreement shows the commitment to our national teams, amateur football and the federation,” commented the president of the French Football Federation Noël Le Graët. “It also reflects the value of our football and rewards a remarkable collective partnership.”
Les Bleus reached the final of Euro 2016 on home soil, but succumbed to a goal in extra time from Portuguese striker Eder. Portugal won their first-ever European championship.
France will continue their qualifying campaign for the Russia 2018 World Cup against Luxembourg on March 25 next year. In group A, with Sweden, Netherlands, Belarus, Bulgaria and Luxembourg, Les Bleus sit top, having won three of their four opening matches.
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