Betfair, the UK betting operator has renewed its sponsorship of the Apollon Limassol, the first division football club in Cyprus, after a successful partnership starting only a few months earlier.

The new agreement means that Betfair will become the major sponsor of the club and increased exposure on the football shirts worn by the team. In addition the Apollon’s Tsirion Stadium will feature the brand and the betting group be able to utilise on the Apollon team to take part in marketing and promotional campaigns.

Teemu Lehtinen, Betfair's representative for Cyprus and Greece, commented: “This deal is a clear statement of our intent when it comes to investing in Cypriot sport for the long term. We're determined to play a proactive and responsible role in Cyprus going forward, with investment in local sport playing a big part in that.

“Football is Betfair's core product, and we're delighted to extend our deal with Apollon, a respected, ambitious team in a football league which is rapidly on the rise.”

Chairman of Apollon Limassol, Pavlos Aristodemou, added: “Cypriot football is on the up and investment from reputed, global businesses like Betfair will only help us continue on our upward trajectory.

“If ourselves and other Cypriot football teams are going to compete against Europe's elite, investments such as this in our game are crucial. We've relished working with Betfair until now, and we're excited at the prospect of furthering what has to date been a thoroughly enjoyable, and mutually beneficial relationship.”