Konami’s ten-year deal with UEFA is coming to an end, meaning the PES Champions League exclusivity will be over.
Konami stated that the deal will be over after this year’s Champions League final in Kyiv.
Since 2008, for Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, the Champions League has been playable as a tournament.
This from an official statement from UEFA:
“Guy-Laurent Epstein, marketing director of UEFA Events SA, said: “Konami has been a strong licensing partner for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, with our competition brand being heavily featured within the video game and as part of the popular Konami-organised UEFA Champions League e-sports tournaments.
“It has been a very cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership. UEFA would like to thank Konami for its tremendous commitment and support to UEFA club competitions for the last decade and we look forward to continuing to work with Konami in the sphere of UEFA national team football.”
It isn’t clear from the statement if the decision came from UEFA or Konami.
Jonas Lygaard, senior director of brand & business development for Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. said:
“The UEFA Champions League licence has given us a platform to create unique experiences and provide football fans from all over the world with an opportunity to enjoy this competition first-hand.
“This year, however, we will shift our focus into other areas. We will continue to explore alternative ways UEFA and Konami can continue to work together, as our relationship remains strong.”
