Kieran Maguire lambasts ‘sleazy’ Aston Villa development after controversial U-turn
Aston Villa should have thought twice before getting into bed with a “sleazy” company like BK8.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Villa’s new commercial deal with the controversial online bookmaker.
As relayed by the Daily Mail last Friday (13 January), Villa are understood to have agreed to sign a three-year front-of-shirt sponsorship contract with BK8.
That represents a U-turn for the Midlands club, with it having previously been their policy to avoid gambling sponsorship.
There are also concerns about the company specifically given that Norwich City walked away from a deal with them in 2021 due to what critics slammed as a sexist marketing strategy.
Maguire revealed that he was “disappointed” by Villa’s apparent prioritisation of money over club values, especially with a ban on gambling sponsorship in the Premier League seemingly imminent.
“They are chasing the money rather than having any ethical or moral compass,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“BK8 have proved that they have a fairly sleazy approach to trying to attract customers with their marketing strategy.
“It’s disappointing that a club of the stature of Aston Villa feel that they need the money so much that they are not prepared to take a stand.
“It would be good to see clubs be more selective about who they choose to become involved with in the commercial department.
“Arrangements like this don’t paint anyone in a good light.“
In other news, Aston Villa open talks to sign Matteo Guendouzi in swap deal.