The bank, which has been subject of a government bailout, recently came under fire for its high-profile brand ambassador programme, which also includes legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and tennis star Andy Murray.
Other RBS partnerships include title sponsorship of the RBS 6 Nations, a deal it renewed last year prior to the economic downturn.
The sponsorship sector in general has been criticised by sections of the media during the current economic crisis, prompting the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) to launch a vigorous defence of the industry.
ESA chairman Karen Earl said: ‘In the middle of a global recession it would be naive for the sponsorship industry to expect to escape unscathed. But, in some media coverage sponsorship has been portrayed as expensive and with little business benefit. This type of comment is wrong, and must be corrected'.
She adds: ‘Sponsorship appears to have been singled out precisely because it enjoys a high profile with consumers. When Manchester United's sponsors (AIG) decides not to renew its contract or when a Formula One team loses its backer, it makes headline news. But it is precisely this high profile consumer interest that attracts brands to sponsorship and is at the root of the industry's success as an effective marketing tool'.
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