Vauxhall, the UK carmaker, announced today that it is to end its sponsorship of all four of British soccer's home nations after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Vauxhall has been the leading sponsor of the soccer associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland since 2011, but said it will not extend the present four-year deals signed in 2013. 

The company said in a statement today that it had "agreed to explore other opportunities to continue its relationship with the FAs beyond the conclusion of the existing contracts.

"Since 2011, Vauxhall has been very proud to be the lead sponsor for each of the four Home Nations football associations, the first time this has ever been undertaken by a major organisation."

Earlier this month General Motors, Vauxhall's parent, agreed to sell its European unit (including Vauxhall) to PSA Group, the French company that owns Peugeot and Citroen, in a €2.2-billion ($2.4-billion) deal.

Sportcal