French petrol giant Total to sponsor African football

French petroleum giant Total signed an eight-year deal to become the new sponsor of African football and its showpiece event, the Africa Cup of Nations, on Thursday.

The sponsorship of the tournament will start at its next edition in Gabon from Jan 14 to Feb 5, 2017.

"This partnership is a major milestone in our ongoing search for additional resources to accelerate African football's development, bring its governance up to date, upgrade its sports infrastructure and advance its performance globally," said Issa Hayatou, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

"As a leading multinational in its field, with strong ties to Africa, Total will make a significant contribution to CAF's initiatives to foster personal and professional growth for young Africans."