According to reports, the English Premier League and its members clubs are ready to agree to a ban on all front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships.
The Times reported that the potential ban will be discussed at today’s Premier League shareholder meeting. The proposed ban will prohibit gambling companies from being the main sponsor of Premier League football kits but will not extend to sleeve sponsorships.
News of the Premier League’s move comes ahead of the publication of the UK government’s long-awaited white paper on the local gambling industry. While one of the recommended changes to gambling laws is expected to be a ban on gambling sponsorship in top level football, the Premier League’s proposed ban would still come into effect regardless of whether or not the government decides to move ahead with any rule changes suggested in the white paper. However, there have also been suggestions that the government will not move forward with a ban if the clubs opt to implement their own restrictions.
The report also suggests that Premier League clubs have agreed to the ban on the condition that there is a three-year transition period put into place. This would allow clubs to find new sponsors and fulfill their existing contractual obligations.
While the potential ban will be discussed today and possibly agreed to in principle, it’s unlikely that a final decision will be made until the next shareholder meeting which will take place in June.
Of the Premier League’s 20 teams, eight have front-of-shirt gambling sponsors with only Fulham and Newcastle’s sponsorship deals coming to an end at the end of the current season.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.