Everton, ThaiBev announce end of sponsorship contract
Thai Beverage is ending its sponsorship of English Premier League side Everton, both parties said yesterday.
ThaiBev, producer of Chang beer, said it would not renew the sponsorship contract after the current deal expires at the end of this month.
Instead, the company, which has been a sponsor of the club since 2004, has signed a cooperation deal with the Toffees.
“Chang and Everton have been partners since 2004 with the same vision and target of developing football and society,’’ Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, ThaiBev group chief executive, said in a statement.
“We will still cooperate through activities that benefit football.”
Under the new deal, ThaiBev and Everton will work together on football development projects both in Thailand and England, the company said.
The Chang Junior Cup will continue with the champions winning the opportunity to train with the club, the statement said.
Everton CEO Robert Elstone thanked Thapana and Chang for their support over the last 13 years.
“We’d like to thank you for your trust in Everton Football Club and what you have done for us inside and outside the stadium,’’ Elstone was quoted as saying in the statement.
Everton also announced on their website that they have signed a club-record multi-year sponsorship agreement with gaming giant SportPesa.
The new partnership will commence on June 1 and is the most lucrative in the club’s 140-year history.
As Everton’s main partner, SportPesa will feature on the front of Everton’s playing shirts for five years.
Elstone said: “We’re pleased to have secured the biggest commercial partnership deal in the club’s history with an ambitious and growing global company. From the outset we have been impressed by SportPesa and the company’s plans for the future. Over the coming months and years we will be working closely to realise our ambitions together.”
Meanwhile, Belgian winger Kevin Mirallas has signed a new three-year contract with the club.
The 29-year-old Belgium international signed from Greek side Olympiakos in August 2012.
“This contract is very important for me and my family. I am very happy here. This is the best club for me,” Mirallas said.