KEY St Kilda sponsor Vodafone has ended its relationship with the club, leaving the Saints without a naming-rights sponsor next season.

As revealed exclusively in The Age this week, Vodafone has decided not to exercise a 12-month option on its contract, which expires on October 31.

Vodafone's general manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Paul Guerra, said: "We're more enthusiastic than ever to continue our association with football and we're currently exploring our sponsorship options in Melbourne for the 2008 season."

Vodafone already sponsors the Eagles, the Power and the Lions.

St Kilda chief Archie Fraser said the Saints already were seeking a new major sponsor for 2008.

MARK HAWTHORNE