Papa Johns will not renew their sponsorship of the EFL Trophy, with league officials now seeking a new backer.
The pizza firm signed a three-year deal worth around £1million a season in 2020 but have decided against extending the partnership.
EFL chiefs believe that this year’s final between Bolton and Plymouth could act as a powerful sales brochure with a bumper crowd of around 70,000 expected at Wembley.
The competition, which sees Premier League and Championship Under 21 and academy sides go up against clubs from Leagues One and Two, features a prizepot of around £3m.
That sum largely comes from the Premier League and FA, who see it as a vital pathway for emerging talent.
The £3m from Papa Johns was spread across the EFL. Clubs were informed of the situation this afternoon.
The EFL Trophy has been in play since 1983. No fewer than 11 members of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad played in the competition at some stage in their careers.
Indeed, Three Lions trio Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Bukayo Saka all made their debuts in the EFL Trophy.
US-based Papa Johns have operated in the UK since 1999. The next final takes place on April 2, with the deal expiring in June.
