The event was graced by over 30 FA Cup legends, all of whom have played in the world famous competition and helped to make it the most prestigious knock-out club competition in the world.

E.ON will become sponsor of The FA Cup and for the next four years, the competition will be known as The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON. In addition, the company will also become sponsors of The FA Women’s Cup and The FA Youth Cup as well as The FA Schools Football Development Partner.

Speaking at the launch, E.ON UK Director of Brand Strategy and Retail Communications, Helen Merrick said, “We’re delighted to be able to launch our sponsorship of The FA Cup today. The FA Cup is recognised and respected throughout the world and we are extremely proud to associate our brand with this famous competition.

"No other football competition has the history and heritage of The FA Cup and we are looking forward to working closely with the clubs, players and media who have made The FA Cup what it is today.”

Football Association’s Chief Executive Brian Barwick said, “The FA Cup is the world’s greatest domestic cup competition and we are delighted to have a company of E.ON’s stature as its sponsor.

"The FA Cup continues to capture the imagination of football supporters in England and around the globe with its unique blend of giant-killings and classic encounters between the country’s top teams.

"The deal will provide us with an opportunity to build on this reputation. The FA currently invests around £70 million a year into football right down to the grassroots and E.ON’s sponsorship will further contribute to the promotion and development of the game at all levels.”

Sir Trevor Brooking, West Ham’s scorer in the 1980 Cup Final and the FA’s Director of Football Development said, “It’s every player’s dream to play in an FA Cup Final. No other competition in the world provides the opportunity for amateur players to go head-to-head with the world-class players of the Premier League. Every year we see upsets and giant-killings and I’m sure this season will be no different.

“We are delighted to welcome E.ON as sponsor for the competition and look forward to working with them at all levels of the game over the next four years.”

The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON will kick-off on 18 August with the Extra Preliminary Round and finish on 19 May 2007 with the final showpiece.