Wednesday 29 March 2017 18:00, UK
Sky Sports News HQ understands Vauxhall’s decision to end its sponsorship of the England national team is not down to poor performances at Euro 2016.
It is believed the proposed £2bn takeover of Vauxhall by French car giants PSA, makers of Peugeot, is the main contributing factor bringing the deal to an end.
The deal will end following the 2018 World Cup in Russia after seven years of sponsorship to the England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland national teams.
One source told SSNHQ: "This deal has done what it set out to do. Vauxhall's image was safe, solid and reliable. This deal made Vauxhall more sexy and sprinkled some glamour onto the brand to help change perceptions.
"This decision isn't performance-related, nothing to do with Iceland and nothing to do with Sam Allardyce's departure from the FA. But the timing of this (the PSA takeover) is significant."
The partnership began in 2011; six months after Nationwide ended its 11-year association with the England national team.
"The relationship has been worth approx. £11m per annum to the four Home Nations and we understand Vauxhall wanted to give the FA as much time as possible to find replacements," a source told SSNHQ.
The partnership has provided important revenue for the FA, FAW, IFA and SFA along with the increased income from global TV rights.
It's our understanding that Vauxhall will continue a 'low-level' partnership as the FA's automotive partner.
There are no indications who might take on the new role as lead sponsor for the Home Nations.
