Kieran Maguire: Newcastle United moving on to ‘bigger and better things’ as government ban looms
Newcastle United will be unconcerned by the government’s potential ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsorship in football as they are moving on to “bigger and better things”.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest noises coming from Whitehall regarding the game’s relationship with the betting industry.
The Times reported earlier this month (16 December) that Premier League clubs are under pressure to agree to a voluntary ban on gambling sponsorship in the coming weeks.
It is claimed that the government could step in if top-flight sides cannot agree to a self-imposed moratorium.
Newcastle are sponsored by online gambling platform but the deal expires before the beginning of 2023-24.
Maguire forecasts that the Magpies will be eyeing more lucrative sponsors ahead of the end of the Fun88 relationship.
“There is no doubt that a ban is going to impact the way certain other clubs operate,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“However, I think Newcastle are moving on to bigger and better, more global brands than the likes of Fun88.
“The government pressure in terms of no longer having front-of-shirt gambling sponsors is not going to impact them going forward.
“The success they have had this season and the greater interest since the takeover will all contribute to making Newcastle a more attractive proposition to non-gambling companies.
“The gambling industry also does not scan with the beliefs of the Saudi ownership and what they are trying to do in that part of the world.”
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