Man Utd adds Aeroflot to global sponsorship list

Russian state-controlled airline Aeroflot has joined Manchester United's growing list of global sponsors today.

Aeroflot, the first Russian company to partner with the English Premier League champions, is a sponsor of the Sochi 2014 Olympics and replaces Turkish Airlines as United's partner in a five-year deal unveiled at the club's Old Trafford stadium.

"It's a significant step for our first global partnership to be with one of the most successful and well-loved football clubs in the world," Aeroflot chief executive Vitaly Saveliev said.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

United claims to have 659 million followers worldwide and is carving out a lucrative series of global and local sponsorship deals.

Although United and Aeroflot may sound an unlikely combination, there is already heavy Russian investment in European soccer through owners including Roman Abramovich at Chelsea and sponsors such as Gazprom, which is attached to the UEFA Champions League.

Airlines also enjoy the global exposure provided by Premier League teams.

Etihad is the main sponsor of United’s local rival Manchester City, while Emirates is partnered with Arsenal.

General Motors last year agreed to take over as United's main shirt sponsor from 2014 in a seven-year deal worth $559 million.

Reuters