French soccer’s LFP governing body has struck a multi-year tie-up with Essilor, an optical products designer and manufacturer.

Through a deal brokered by international sports marketing agency Sportfive, Essilor becomes a major partner in the visual health category for the top-tier Ligue 1, second-tier Ligue 2, as well as the annual Trophee des Champions game.

The agreement will see Essilor gain significant visibility in France and at a global level, especially through sponsoring “key match statistics and LED panels” at Ligue 1 games.

As well as this, Essilor has become the exclusive man of the match award partner in Ligue 1 - this will involve the presentation of a trophy during flagship Ligue 1 matches on Sunday evenings each game week.

Ben Morel, managing director of LFP Media (the entity that handles the LFP’s commercial activities), has said: “With all the Essilor teams, we will work to bring this partnership to life in all stadiums and all territories through an ambitious activation plan.”

Late last month, it was announced that Morel will be stepping down from his role, as a government inquiry into LFP Media (which is 13% owned by CVC Capital Partners) takes place.

Other significant LFP commercial partners include Ligue 1 title sponsor McDonald’s, Ligue 2 title sponsor BKT, and other brands such as Decathlon, BetClic, and La Poste (the French postal service).

In terms of recent LFP activity, early November saw the body unveil a five-year artificial intelligence-based tie-up with WSC Sports, the sports-focused AI-powered video content provider.

Sportfive has a non-exclusive commercial relationship with the LFP.