Betfair agrees 2-year sponsorship deal with Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bookmaker Betfair has agreed a two year sponsorship deal with German soccer club Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The online betting exchange an option for a third year with the side, which finished fifth in last year's Bundesliga, and will be entitled to a branding presence at the BayArena, including advertising on pitchside boards, along with an involvement in a range of other activities.

Bayer Leverkusen managing director Wolfgang Holzhäuser said: "We are very pleased to announce the new partnership between Betfair and our club. Betfair, with their betting exchange and four million customers, is not only a global market leader but also stands for innovation and modernity. The betting exchange is absolutely unique in the gambling sector in the same way we are the only Werkself in the Bundesliga."

Dr Peter Reinhardt, Betfair's head of central Europe, added: "Following on from our involvement with Barcelona and Manchester United, it's a special move for us at Betfair to enter and position ourselves in the Bundesliga. Both Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Betfair stand for top-quality performances and a close bond with their fans and customers. We are very happy to gain Rudi Völler as a brand ambassador as he combines great popularity with incontestable expertise."