Football chiefs in ads ban warning

The Scottish football authorities have warned that a ban on alcohol advertising could threaten the hosting of major tournaments.

The comments came 24 hours after the Scottish Government launched a consultation on restricting alcohol advertising and promotion.

The Scottish Football Association and Scottish Professional Football League warned of “significant unintended consequences” of a potential ban and a “multimillion-pound cost”, and encouraged clubs and supporters to take part in the consultation, which runs until March 9.

A joint statement warned implementation of a sponsorship ban could “jeopardise the potential hosting of major events” including sport and entertainment, citing European finals and the European Championship finals.

Scotland is part of a UK and Ireland joint bid to stage Euro 2028, with Hampden Park listed as a potential venue.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Scottish football is already restricted by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980, which for more than 40 years has prohibited sale of alcohol within football grounds.

“As a consequence, we can’t control consumption levels outside of the stadium bowl and thus cannot be part of a data-led solution. We will contribute to the consultation to ensure a fact-based approach and to highlight the consequences of any legislation being imposed, not just financially, but in potentially being precluded from bidding for major football events, as well as other world-class, international sporting events where alcohol partnerships are an integral part of a diverse sponsorship portfolio.

“For avoidance of doubt, the national game remains supportive of responsible drinking campaigns, especially aimed at harmful drinkers, and will continue to use the power of football to promote that responsibility for the benefit of all concerned.”

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “We will take time to consider these proposals in far greater detail and respond in due course but, even at an initial stage, it is clear the sporting, social and financial implications could be extremely grave.”

Scottish clubs play in Europe, where brewers such as Heineken are at the centre of Uefa’s family of sponsors.

All three of Scotland’s major football competitions and the national team plus the majority of the country’s leading clubs have previously had drinks companies as their main sponsors.

The government plans suggest banning sponsorship arrangements for clubs and organisations to create a more “family friendly” environment.

Options include banning alcohol-branded sports merchandise, including on replica kits, plus pitch-side hoardings, and stopping players and managers from appearing in adverts online or on TV.