One in three people freely switch their allegiance if their team is knocked out of the World Cup, or not taking part at all, new research has shown.
The study, carried out by the Co-operative Bank Current Accounts, showed that almost one in five people (19%) have changed the football team they support in the past.
According to the survey, people under the age of 18 are most likely to switch teams, with almost a quarter (24%) admitting they had swapped in the past.
At the other end of the scale, just over a tenth (12%) of those in the over-45 age group admitted to team-hopping.
However, despite football fans being ready to switch allegiances, only 29% of people are prepared to switch their current account, despite poor customer service and a lack of trust in banks.
Rod Bulmer, managing director at Co-operative Financial Services, said: "Given the passion that people feel for their national side, it's quite surprising that such a large percentage of people would switch allegiances once their team is out of the World Cup.
"Fewer people, however, would switch their current account provider, which is extraordinary given the lack of trust and poor customer service that many receive from banks. However, it's easier now than ever for people to switch accounts if they are unhappy and we've seen a corresponding 38% increase in current account openings since last year."
