London: Premier League clubs have agreed to ban sponsorship from gambling companies on the front of their shirts, the organisation says.
The league’s 20 clubs collectively announced the decision to voluntarily “reduce gambling advertising.”
It is the first sports league in the UK to take such a stand, although the decision does not ban gambling companies from being used as sponsors on shirt sleeves.
The move was welcomed by Britain’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport at a time when the government is reviewing gambling legislation.
“The vast majority of adults gamble safely but we have to recognise that footballers are role models who have enormous influence on young people,” culture secretary Lucy Frazer said on Thursday. “We want to work with institutions like the Premier League to do the right thing for young fans.”
Eight Premier League clubs currently have gambling sponsorship on the front of their shirts: Bournemouth, Everton, Leeds, Southampton, West Ham, Fulham, Newcastle and Brentford.
West Ham and Newcastle are just two of the eight current Premier League clubs with gambling sponsors on the front of their jerseys.Credit: AP
In order to help clubs during a period of transition, the agreement will come into effect at the end of the 2025-26 season, the league said.
“The Premier League is also working with other sports on the development of a new code for responsible gambling sponsorship,” the league added.
Campaign group The Big Step has pushed to end gambling sponsorship in soccer, with support from former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
The group said it wants sideline advertisements and other forms of gambling sponsorship to be ended as well.
‘No gambling ads are seen more than those on Premier League shirts, worn by billions around the world.’
Statement from The Big Step
“Today’s announcement is a significant acceptance of the harm caused by gambling sponsorship,” the group said in a statement. “No gambling ads are seen more than those on Premier League shirts, worn by billions around the world.
“Although this outcome isn’t perfect, it’s a huge step.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United conceded two late own goals to allow Sevilla to snatch a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday (Friday AEST).
Marcel Sabitzer’s quickfire double in the first half put Erik ten Hag’s team in control of the tie, but Sevilla, the record six-time Europa League champions, pulled one back in the 84th minute when Jesus Navas’s shot pinged off the feet of Tyrell Malacia and keeper David de Gea into the net.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.Credit: AP
United were reduced to 10 men when defender Lisandro Martinez was carried off injured and Youssef En-Nesyri’s stoppage-time header glanced off Harry Maguire into the goal to give Sevilla a huge lift ahead of next week’s second leg.
“I think we had the game in hand,” Ten Hag told BT Sport.
“We should have scored three or four. . . and then some unlucky moments with injuries. And then we conceded two own goals and that’s bad luck. We have to deal with it. Of course, we have to learn that we have to kill the game.”
AP, Reuters
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