Uber picks up Flamengo partnership

Transportation network company Uber has entered into a partnership with Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A football club Flamengo.

The partnership will initially run for 45 days but Flamengo said it hopes the agreement will mark the beginning of a "long and successful partnership".

Uber will benefit from brand exposure on the club’s training kit as part of the agreement. Uber will also receive promotion during club press conferences and through social media channels.

Uber is currently operating under restrictions in Rio de Janeiro, where Flamengo is based. Last month, Rio’s city council banned the use of the service, although an injunction granted by a city court has since allowed Uber-licensed drivers to work unrestricted.

A spokesperson for Flamengo told the ESPN.com.br website that the partnership was not designed to help legalise Uber in Rio. “There is no intention on our side,” the spokesperson said. “It is just a business negotiation with a company that we wanted.”