Aston Villa has reassured supporters of their comprehensive examination of BK8 before inking a new jersey sponsorship agreement with the Asian wagering firm.
This follows significant disapproval from supporters, despite the preliminary arrangement for BK8 to become the club’s next main sponsor. Organizations committed to combating gambling dependency have also encouraged Villa to reevaluate, asserting the club should uphold “loftier principles.”
Nevertheless, the agreement is anticipated to proceed, considering BK8’s past with other Premier League clubs such as Norwich City. Notably, Norwich severed ties with BK8 after encountering criticism for the objectification of women in their promotional materials.
A declaration from the supporter consultation group disclosed that CEO Christian Purslow convened with them to tackle apprehensions regarding the agreement. He clarified, “While some supporters are disheartened that the club’s present principal associate, a gambling enterprise, will be succeeded by another gambling enterprise, the financial actuality is that for teams outside the top six, the income from gambling enterprises is practically twice that obtainable from a non-gambling entity.”
This directly opposes Purslow’s prior position against embracing gambling sponsorships, which has further ignited the ire of both supporters and anti-gambling organizations.
The English top-flight football league was prepared to eliminate wagering promotions from their shirts’ main display, as per a Times article published the previous year.
Apparently, the government shifted its stance (or perhaps financial considerations held greater sway), as the urgency has diminished for the moment. The Premier League has opted to retain those gaming advertisements in their current location, temporarily at least.