Betting firm link to shock Rooney move comes under fire
Former sports minister attacks tie-up as ‘crass’ Ex-england striker tries to keep focus on Derby
Wayne Rooney’s unveiling at Derby County in an apparent partnership with a betting firm was branded “crass” last night by one of the key figures behind Britain’s gambling laws.
The Daily Telegraph had revealed on Monday how the former Manchester United and England captain was in line for a sensational return to English football in a player-coach role working under manager Phillip Cocu.
However, excitement around the announcement of his deal by the Championship club yesterday was undermined by the news he would wear the No32 shirt when he joins in January as part of the club’s partnership with 32Red.
Derby owner Mel Morris defended the move, saying he was keen to “leverage Wayne’s involvement”. He added: “Obviously, the commercial opportunities this creates are widespread and significant.”
But Richard Caborn, the former minister who helped mastermind the 2005 Gambling Act which led to billions of pounds in investment from betting firms, said the partnership was embarrassing. “It’s not very clever this – it all seems a bit crass,” he said. “Wayne Rooney, who has got kids himself, should perhaps know this is not the brightest. The gambling companies need to be doing themselves favours at the moment, but this is not going to go down well with football authorities or the Government.”
Rooney takes the No 32 shirt, despite 7, 12, 13, 15 and 18 – the number he wore in his first spell at Everton – being vacant. DC United, his club in Washington, have waived a transfer fee and reports suggest he will earn around £100,000 a week. The average weekly wage in the Championship is £20,000.
Gambling firms recently agreed to stop advertising during live sports amid criticism over their increasing profile in the 12 years since the Gambling Act came into force and permitted online casinos and bookmakers to vastly increase their profile. However, Caborn also cited the recent sponsorship stunt by Paddy Power with Huddersfield Town as evidence that companies had exploited the wide-ranging laws he helped introduce. He said: “They have abused their position.”
Rooney arrived at Heathrow Airport yesterday morning after flying overnight from the United States, where he plays for MLS club DC United. “To be honest, the number that I wear is not a big deal,” he said later. “I’ve worn many numbers. For me, the important thing was to come back and help the team.”
However, Morris announced his signing had sparked a new sponsorship deal with 32Red, one of the English Football League’s biggest brands. “On the back of Wayne joining the club, we have just been offered a record-breaking sponsorship deal with our principal shirt sponsor, 32Red,” he said. “We are keen to leverage Wayne’s involvement and the support of 32Red with our community initiatives, expanding the work such as the Team Talk mental health programme which is supported by our Community Trust and 32Red. These are key initiatives to us as a club and demonstrate the benefits of commercial initiatives that are truly aligned to the objectives of all parties, club fan base and community.”
Rooney earns more than £3million a year in Washington and will return to the US today, before training tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s game with LA Galaxy. Rooney, who will turn 34 in October, will remain with DC for the final nine regularseason matches and the play-offs, should DC advance.
Dressed in a grey tracksuit and baseball cap, Rooney posed for pictures with fans as he waited to collect his luggage before he and agent Paul Stretford headed to Derby.
Morris believes bringing in Rooney will be a major boost. “Why wouldn’t you want a player with his background?”
Neil Banbury, 32Red’s general manager, said: “We are delighted that our commitment to the club has allowed Derby to bring in an England legend who will not only improve the first team, but add invaluable experience to an already strong coaching set-up.
“Our partnership with Derby County Community Trust, and the extended relationship with Derby County Football Club, shows a new model for football club sponsorship is possible.”