Back in 1972 Mercedes-Benz sealed a partnership with the German Football Association (DFB) which continues to this day. Since 1990 Mercedes-Benz has been principal sponsor of the DFB, which has almost 6.3 million members. In 2006 the current contract was extended to the end of 2006. Since 1996 Mercedes-Benz has also supported the Turkish team Türk A.S., which took third place in the 2002 World Cup.