30 March 2023 , 06:24
1181
0
Premier League clubs are on the verge of reaching an agreement that will see gambling companies banned from advertising on the front of their shirts.
The agreement would not spark the end of betting advertisements on shirts entirely, as while front-of-shirt sponsorship would be banned, sleeve sponsorship would still be allowed. This topic is one of the priority subjects at a shareholders meeting set to take place on Thursday. Clubs are willing to support this proposal so that the government don't implement legislation that bans gambling sponsorship on shirts entirely.
However, a final conclusive vote on the matter could be delayed as far back as the Premier League's summer meeting in June, though the consensus already is that the overwhelming majority of clubs would support the proposal providing a three-year transition period is permitted.
While this is deemed a major issue among Premier League clubs, it is widely believed that EFL outfits will not have to abide by the same plans due to the economic impact it would have.
Of the 20 sides in the Premier League, eight boast gambling sponsorships as their main front-of-shirt sponsor. Both Newcastle and Fulham will see their deals with their respective gambling sponsors expire at the end of this season.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
It is interesting to note that not one of the big six clubs have a front-of-shirt deal with any betting companies, despite the fact that according to sources within the game suggesting those deals are often the ones that pocket clubs the most cash.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships be banned in the Premier League? Comment below
Leeds are one of eight Premier League sides that consider a betting company their main shirt sponsorAccording to the Times, one unnamed Premier League club revealed that by agreeing to drop their front-of-shirt sponsorship deal, they would be potentially missing out on as much as £10million per season.
It was initially expected that this agreement from clubs in the English top flight would come into play last year, but it was delayed after Liz Truss was elected as prime minister in fear of her changing the legislation.
A white paper on gambling is however now expected as soon as next month.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom amassed his wealth via sports betting, yet has been a vocal supporter of the ban on gambling shirt sponsors, claiming last year: "From a personal point of view, it's really important to be aware of children seeing gambling or betting advertising on the shirt in particular, because they buy the shirts.
"I don't think having gambling sponsorship on shirts is good, but I understand that for some clubs, particularly clubs down the leagues with much less revenue, the gambling companies pay the best so it's a difficult decision to turn them down.
"Although there is gambling advertising all around, I just think on the shirts it's the most obvious, so that would give me the most concern."