ABSA and the Premier Soccer League have announced that they will be ending their sponsorship relationship of the Absa Premiership when the contract expires at the end of the current season.

The 2019/2020 Absa Premiership is currently suspended because the South African government has put a ban on all sporting events due to the coronavirus.

Absa has had a 16 year relationship with football in South Africa, 13 of which have been as sponsor of the league since 2007.

The announcement was made in a joint statement by Absa and the PSL on Thursday.

“We have enjoyed a long, fruitful relationship with the PSL and have supported the PSL’s work in South African football and sports development,” said Absa Group Chief Executive, Daniel Mminele.

“While we will no longer be the anchor sponsor for the PSL, soccer will always be close to our hearts. We are therefore exploring alternative options to continue our relationship with the PSL.

“We would like to thank the PSL and the football community for the excellent partnership and support over the years.”

And PSL Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza lauded Absa for their commitment towards football in the country.

“The Absa Premiership era will forever be a reference point for football glory, both in term of club development and player performance in our sports history,” said Dr. Khoza.

“The PSL is grateful to Absa for strengthening the league to true professionalism.”

The Absa Premiership has over the years grown its brand to exponential rates and will forever be engraved in the hearts of many football fans in South Africa and Across the African country.

Dr Khoza adds, “Memory is a prized component of football followers around the world. The period of 2007 to 2020 will forever be etched in the memories of football fans as a highpoint in the PSL.”