Ban on betting firm deals could cost clubs £110m

FOOTBALL clubs could be stopped from using gambling logos on their shirts as part of a crackdown on gambling firm sponsorship.

The Government is considering a blanket ban on betting firm kit sponsorships which could affect snooker, darts, boxing, rugby league and other sports.

Premier League and Championship clubs would be hit the hardest as they benefit around £110million each year in the deals. Eight of the top teams affected are Burnley, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, Wolves, Southampton and West Ham.

A Premier League source said most clubs agree with the principle but insist the ban would come “at the worst possible time” as they are already struggling financially because of the pandemic. The logos are already banned on junior replicas, but Clean Up Gambling campaigners said: “The evidence shows this sort of advertising is impacting negatively on children.”

A Government spokesman said it is “determined to tackle problem gambling in all its forms”.

Impact..Jesse Lingard in sponsored West Ham kit