Having been a partner of the Inter Milan men’s team since 2018, Mastercard has now expanded its agreement to take on the main sponsorship of the Italian soccer giants’ women’s team.

The payment brand’s logo will appear on the team’s jerseys, as well across other physical and digital team inventory.

Inter’s previous €10.5 million (US$12.4 million) a year premium partnership with tyre brand Pirelli covered shirt sponsorship of both the men’s and women’s teams. However, when Socios took over as the club’s main sponsor from the start of the 2021/22 campaign the reported €20 million (US$23.5 million) a year deal did not include the women’s side.

Both Inter and Mastercard have committed to promoting the development of the women’s game through the partnership. A series of initiatives to advocate gender equality, diversity and inclusion in soccer will be rolled out over the course of the contract.

“Mastercard shares Inter’s commitment to equality and inclusivity and as such we’re pleased that a brand with those values at heart will appear on the jerseys worn by our female players,” said Alessandro Antonello, Inter chief executive.

Michele Centemero, who heads up Mastercard’s Italian operation, added: “We are proud to consolidate our collaboration with the Nerazzurri club with the aim of sharing the emotions of this game full of values, because we know that a simple ball can give life to priceless moments.

“Furthermore, we are happy to be alongside the women’s team and to be able to offer our contribution to implement sustainable programs based on teamwork, sportsmanship and inclusion that girls and women from all around the world can aspire to.”