LONDON: Nationwide, Britain`s top home-loans provider, confirmed Tuesday they will not renew their sponsorship of the England football team, as a pre-World Cup gamble backfired on the FA.

Nationwide said it was "re-focusing its marketing priorities", leaving the Football Association -- the sport`s governing body in England -- without a partner following a disappointing World Cup.

The FA had taken a gamble before the tournament, turning down a Nationwide offer in the hope of landing a bigger one after a predicted impressive showing in South Africa.

However, England went out in the second round after four uninspiring matches and the Nationwide withdrawal adds to the FA`s woes.

Over the past 10 years, Nationwide had sponsored the Football League, the FA Cup, and the fifth-tier Football Conference.

"Nationwide has been involved with football sponsorship for over a decade and after a fruitful 11-year relationship with the FA, the organisation is currently re-focusing its marketing priorities," it said in a statement.

"We will continue to invest in our unique brand position and build on our mutuality and customer credentials.

"We thank the FA and wish them and the England teams well in all future activities."

BDST: 1947hrs, July 20, 2010