Russian Football Union Announces Novatek Sponsorship Deal

The Russian Football Union has announced a sponsorship deal with Novatek, the country’s leading independent natural gas provider.

The union is heavily in debt as a result of the previous regime and new chief Nikola Tolstykh had sought a sponsor to help ease the financial pressure.

The Novatek deal will help to provide the funding for the men’s national team to prepare for their first World Cup in twelve years.

The deal is reported to be worth around $8 million.

A Russian Football Union statement said: “Undoubtedly, the arrival into Russian football of one of the largest gas extraction companies shows the possibilities of mutually beneficial cooperation and will help the Russian Football Union reach its goals.”