Castrol Roadblocks North American Soccer with SUM Deal

Castrol Motor Oil and Major League Soccer’s marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing, today announced that Castrol GTX High Mileage will be the official motor oil of Major League Soccer, the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and Mexican National Soccer team. The multi-year sponsorship deal supplements the brand's FIFA World Cup sponsorship, which began in 2008.

“Castrol GTX High Mileage is engineered to outperform and outlast the competition through a passion to be the best, dedication to technical prowess and teamwork,” said Marisa Ciardi, Associate Brand Manager for Castrol GTX High Mileage. “Soccer players and fans know that this is what it takes to be a champion, and it’s what makes our new partnership with Soccer United Marketing a winning combination.”

Castrol will support both the U.S. and Mexican Men’s National teams as they prepare for this summer's 2010 FIFA World Cup. Castrol's current six year deal as FIFA World Cup sponsor includes the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the two FIFA Confederations Cups which fall within the 2007-2014 period.

“We are excited to welcome Castrol, a company with a strong commitment to the global sport of soccer as a partner of FIFA, to the SUM family," said Kathy Carter, Executive Vice President, Soccer United Marketing. “Castrol joins us in an incredibly exciting year, as MLS celebrates its 15th season, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup takes place in South Africa.”

MLS' first lubricant partner was Castrol competitor, Valvoline, which signed a one year deal in 2000.

photo: castrol.com