Kieran Maguire tells Man City to drop ‘toxic’ sponsor amid yet another behind-the-scenes blunder
Man City have committed yet another commercial blunder by failing to act decisively over their links to Russia-backed sponsor Marathonbet.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about City’s association with the controversial bookmaker.
The reigning Premier League champions have been formally involved with Marathonbet since the summer of 2018.
The betting giants, who also became City’s training kit partner in December 2019, are one of just 20 bookmakers approved by the state in Russia.
A club source reportedly told The Guardian last Saturday (9 April) that the deal is “coming to an end” in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But club branding is still being used on Marathonbet websites and City still lists them as an official global partner.
Maguire insists that this is not good enough from City, especially given the criticism they faced over a botched deal with crypto firm 3Key in January.
“It’s a strange situation they find themselves in,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“I think City have not been as sure-footed this season as they have been historically with regards to their commercial arrangements.
“There are examples such as the 3key deal, which was scrapped because of concerns over their legitimacy. They have had a few stumbles now.
“They should be doing their due diligence and distancing themselves from anything to do with the Kremlin because it’s a toxic association.
“It can also be used by fans of other clubs to beat them with. And, ultimately, it is unnecessary.”
City recorded £271.7million in commercial income for 2020-21.
They have 50 commercial partners in total, 34 global and 16 regional.
In other news, pundits suggests Man City have Fernandinho replacement “lined up”.