Russia: Gas producer Novatek is new sponsor of the Federation

The private Russian natural gas producer Novatek has signed a partnership with the RFS (Russian Football Federation), announced the Russian press, on the 30/10/2013. The company replaces state-owned Gazprom, whose contract expired in December 2012.

The partnership allows the federation, whose debt is estimated at $25 million (approximately €18.3 million), to secure the necessary funds for the participation of the Russian team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil (from the 12/06 to the 13/07/2014). First in Group F at the end of the qualifiers, Russia is one of nine European teams already qualified for the 2014 World Cup.

"There is no doubt that the arrival in Russian football of one of the largest gas extraction companies provides opportunities for beneficial cooperation to both parties, and the Russian Federation will achieve its objectives," announced the RFS on the 30/10/2013.