Western Union a leader in global payment services, has become the new Global Partner and the Presenting Sponsor of the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Europa League, one of the most prestigious football competitions.This sponsorship will commence immediately and run through to the UEFA Europa League Final in 2015.

This sponsorship of the world’s largest club competition, comprising 193 professional football teams from 53 countries, provides Western Union with a unique opportunity for worldwide brand visibility, with the competition broadcast in more than 200 countries and enjoying an average cumulative audience of 1.3 billion every season1.

Drawing upon this global reach allows Western Union, with its extensive network of 500,000 Agent locations in over 200 countries and territories2 , to engage its consumers and Agents around the world in the excitement of the UEFA Europa League.  The agreement also provides video, digital and social media content opportunities, and use of the UEFA Europa League brand assets.

Diane Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer and President, Western Union Ventures, said:“We are delighted to become the Presenting Partner of the UEFA Europa League. What makes football truly unique is being universal, with an unmatched global appeal.  As a brand in 200 countries and territories worldwide, Western Union wants to enable its consumers and Agents to engage in the excitement of the UEFA Europa League, and provide them with opportunities and ways to do so anywhere on the planet.”

Marc Audrit, Vice President Global Brand at Western Union, added:“Western Union’s association with UEFA is a fantastic opportunity to communicate our brand on a global scale.  Awareness of the UEFA Europa League is totally global, with 92% of football fans internationally knowing of the competition, in places such as Mexico, Nigeria and Hong Kong.  Over 1,400 players representing 113 countries were involved in last year’s competition1.”

As part of its overall support for the UEFA Europa League, Western Union is developing a comprehensive marketing and communications programme that will seek to involve consumers from around the world and the players in the competition in a unique and inspiring way.