Nyon (Switzerland), Sep 21 (DPA) German sports goods manufacturer adidas will create and market the match balls and equip referees, officials and UEFA staff at the 2012 and 2016 European Championships in a deal reached with Europe's organizing body for football.

UEFA said Monday the agreement with adidas also covers all other national-team competitions from 2010 to 2017.

Adidas, which has provided the match balls for all important UEFA tournaments since 1972, has extended its long-term partnership by gaining retail rights for the first time.

The deal covers tournaments such as the European Under-21 Championship (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017) and the European Women's Championship (2013 and 2017).