Finance guru: Newcastle United could now pull sponsor U-turn – ‘things have changed dramatically’
Newcastle United could vote to ban front-of-short gambling sponsorship in the Premier League despite their active association with the industry.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ deal with Fun88.
Newcastle have been sponsored by the online bookmaker since 2017 and will wear their branding on their shirts for the 2022-23 campaign.
As relayed by BBC Sport last Tuesday (5 July), the Premier League has asked clubs to vote on whether to bring in a self-imposed ban on gambling sponsorship.
The vote has since been pushed back amid the current political situation but is expected to soon be back on the agenda.
Plumley claims that Newcastle, whose deal with Fun88 expires at the end of the season, could vote in favour of the ban given that in the post-takeover era they have their eyes on more salubrious sponsors.
“Newcastle is an interesting example as, because of the ownership, they are now ultimately fishing in a different market in terms of sponsors,” the Sheffield Hallam University told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Things have changed dramatically and they probably see this as less of an issue either way. In fact, they might even be in support of it.
“The challenge for them moving forward is that there is lots of other stuff in the spotlight about the type of sponsors that are linked to the ownership.
“People are asking what fair value is now. There could be new legislation from the Government and the Premier League with regards to that.
“So, a few years ago, they might have wanted to keep that deal. But now, they are looking at a completely different market. So, it’s not even inconceivable that they would vote to ban gambling sponsorship.”
In other news, Newcastle United backed by pundit to pull off “incredible” Marco Asensio signing after update.