The Japanese tyre giant will sponsor South American football’s leading club competition from 2013 to 2017, succeeding Santander in the role. The financial services company will revert to being a general sponsor of the Copa Libertadores. Although financial details of the deal were not revealed, CONMEBOL said the new contract is worth double that of its previous arrangement. Bridgestone becomes the third title sponsor of the Copa Libertadores following Santander (2008-12) and Toyota (1997-2007).