Mastercard becomes official payments brand of South American soccer

Mastercard announced Wednesday an agreement with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) to become the Official Payment Services partner and Contactless Payment brand for Copa America 2019 and Copa Libertadores 2019.

At the same time, Mastercard signed up as sponsor of the Copa America for the 12th straight edition, and as a first-time sponsor of the Copa Libertadores.

“As a long-time supporter of football, the most beloved sport of Latin America, we are excited to add Copa America and Copa Libertadores to our roster of premier football sponsorship assets,” Carlo Enrico, president of Mastercard Latin America and Caribbean, said in a statement.

Mastercard aims to use its involvement with the CONMEBOL events to spread awareness in the region about its contactless payment services, which allow consumers to purchase anything from tickets to snacks at concession stands with a secure method utilizing RFID technology and near-field communication ( NFC ).

The Copa Libertadores, now in its 60th edition, is South America’s premier club tournament, featuring teams from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The final is set for Nov. 23, 2019, at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile.

First played in 2016, the Copa America is the oldest competition among national teams, predating the World Cup by more than a decade.

Brazil is hosting this year’s tournament.