Leicester City could face ‘fire sale’ after new blow – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Leicester City may have to sell their front-of-shirt sponsorship at a “fire sale price” if their current deal goes wrong.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted it would be a “big blow” if their agreement with BC.GAME is ended.
According to Josimar (28 November), Leicester sponsor BC.GAME is about to lose its licence after being declared bankrupt by a court in Curacao.
The Foxes released a statement last week (21 November), saying: “BC.GAME have further assured us that they have no issues with liquidity and that they remain fully committed to meeting their ongoing contractual and financial obligations, including to the club”.
It has been widely reported that Leicester’s deal with the online bookmaker is worth £30million over two years.
Leicester face ‘big blow’ with £30m sponsor deal at risk, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “The company themselves have come out with a strong statement.
“They’ve reassured Leicester and everybody that the sponsorship will be fine.
“The system in Curacao is not something I’m an expert on but it’s a home for gaming, I’ve been there myself when I lived in the US.
“It’s a difficult situation, but the company have been very vocal in saying they will appeal the decision which would have made them bankrupt.
“Let’s wait and see. It’s a big number, and it would be a big blow if Leicester lost out.
“They could try and pick up a new sponsor if it goes wrong. There will always be interest because of the eyeballs the Premier League has.
“But it would be at a fire sale price. That isn’t going to help with the PSR situation.
“They’ll be hoping the sponsors can continue to pay the bills.”
In other news, a major points deduction update has emerged from Leicester.
For more Leicester City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.