UEFA: Japanese automaker, Nissan, official partner of the Champions League until 2017-18

The Japanese automobile manufacturer, Nissan, has become an official partner of the Champions League until 2017-18, announced UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), on 07/04/2014.

Nissan replaces Ford as the automotive partner of the competition. The American brand announced that it would not continue its sponsorship of the Champions League after the 2013-14 season, on 11/03/2014. Ford began its partnership with UEFA in 1992-93.

Nissan will pay UEFA an estimated €54m per year. The Japanese brand will have visibility on LED advertising boards at all matches of the competition. Nissan will also have a large media presence and offer different hospitality services.

"European growth is important to Nissan, and in UEFA we feel we have found the perfect partner to help us achieve our business goal of becoming the #1 Asian car manufacturer in Europe by 2016," said Bastien Schupp, vice-president of marketing for Nissan Europe. The most popular Asian manufacturer is currently Toyota, with a 4.2% market share compared to 3.9% for Nissan in 2013.

• Nissan sold 5.1 million vehicles…