Premier League clubs have voted for a landmark ban on gambling companies sponsoring the front of shirts. The vote was passed at a meeting with all 20 clubs in the league. Clubs now have until the end of the 2025/2026 season to come into line with the new rules. Several teams will now need to find new sponsors.
“Premier League clubs have today collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of clubs’ matchday shirts, becoming the first sports league in the UK to take such a measure voluntarily in order to reduce gambling advertising,” the statement from the league read.
It is thought that the clubs supported the move in order to avoid government legislation banning it completely. The ban on betting firms will cover the front of shirts, but sleeve sponsorships and LED pitchside advertising will still be permitted. It will also give clubs three years to enact the change, meaning those affected will have until the start of the 2026-27 campaign to find alternative sponsors.
Eight Premier League sides this season have gambling firms on the front of their shirts; these include Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Southampton, and West Ham United. These are estimated to have a value of £60 million ($75.1 million) per annum.
Furthermore, five Championship teams also have betting companies on the front of their shirts. These include Birmingham City, Coventry City, Middlesbrough, Stoke City, and Watford,
“The announcement follows an extensive consultation involving the League, its clubs, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Government’s ongoing review of current gambling legislation. The Premier League is also working with other sports on the development of a new code for responsible gambling sponsorship,” the statement said.
The vote from the Premier League clubs comes ahead of the UK government’s review of gambling laws, which is expected to be published later this month after several delays. It also follows similar limitations imposed in Italy and Spain. Serie A clubs have been banned from carrying betting companies on their shirts since 2019, while La Liga sides have been restricted since 2021.
Gambling companies’ relationship with football has long been under scrutiny, with campaigners arguing that the increased profile of betting firms increases the likelihood of addiction. Clubs have previously pledged not to sell children’s replica kits with gambling sponsors on them.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2023/04/13/66808-premier-league-clubs-vote-to-remove-gambling-companies-sponsoring-from-front-of-shirts
