SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
From sponsorship to the ever-expanding world of football media coverage, when it comes to the business of football, SBC has you covered. This edition looks at two possible destinations for the 2021 Champions League final, as well as a new partnership for Kylian Mbappé.
Munich and St Petersburg in the running to host the 2021 Champions League final
Uefa has revealed that Munich and St Petersburg are the only applicants to host the 2021 Champions League final.
It means the final will be played at either the Krestovsky Stadium in Russia, which has a 64,287 capacity and played host to a total of seven games at last summer’s hugely successful Russian World Cup.
It’s unsurprising that the Russian Football Union is looking to put the stadium forward after it’s been rumoured to have cost around $1.5bn, taking over a decade to construct.
On the other hand, Munich’s Allianz Arena is the home of German champions, Bayern Munich and hosted the final in 2012, when Didier Drogba dramatically clinched the European Cup for Chelsea from Bayern Munich.
The decision on where the final will be hosted will be made in the middle of 2019, at a similar time the governing body will decide on the location for the 2021 Europa League, with Vienna, Tbilisi and Seville all putting their names in the hat to host the tournament.
Seville is likely to be seen as the favourite to win this race, with both Real Betis and serial winners Sevilla playing in the tournament this year having spectacular infrastructure, to host a final. However, Uefa’s desire to expand European football to new regions, could increase the chances of Georgian capital Tbilisi.
The timing’s just right for Kylian
Just a week after being dropped to the bench for PSG’s Ligue 1 tie with Marseille after turning up late to a squad meeting, French starlet Kylian Mbappé was made a brand ambassador for renowned watchmaker Hublot.
The 19 year old, did however come off the bench in the second half of the game to race behind the Marseille defence and open the scoring and send Thomas Tuchel’s side on their way to three points.
Philippe Tardivel, marketing director of Hublot commented: “We partner with Kylian because, with his excellence on the field and his humility off it, it appeals to young people as well as middle-aged people.”
Betway utilises Hammers partnership to support Responsible Gambling Week
Betway has strengthened its support for the upcoming Responsible Gambling Week (1st-7th November) by helping to promote the cross-industry initiative during two West Ham United home matches at the London Stadium.
Betway, the official principal partner of West Ham, dedicated a range of its match day advertising assets at this Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham Hotspur and Premier League game with Burnley on 3rd November to Responsible Gambling Week.
These include LED screens, stadium big screen, programme, digital ads on whufc.com and West Ham’s social channels. The firm has also created bespoke responsible gambling t-shirts for the West Ham players to wear during the warm-ups.
Karim Virani, commercial and digital director at West Ham, commented: “The club fully understands the importance of responsible gambling, and are delighted to be taking part in Responsible Gambling Week. We look forward to working closely with Betway in a number of different ways to help spread this message, both during and beyond this event.”
In addition to its partnership with West Ham, Betway will also be using its All-Weather Championships horseracing sponsorship to promote the week-long initiative. Race titles at Lingfield, Southwell, Wolverhampton and Newcastle will include a Responsible Gambling Week message over the course of the seven days.
Betway CEO Anthony Werkman added: “We are proud to be involved in Responsible Gambling Week and are very happy to use our partnerships with West Ham and the All Weather Championships to help promote this vital cross-industry initiative.
“Responsible gambling is at the heart of everything we do at Betway. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a fun and informed betting experience, supported by a safe and secure environment.”
The Montreal Impact deepens partnership with BMO Financial group
The Montreal Impact has extended its partnership with the BMO Financial group with the firm continuing to in its role as the side’s official shirt sponsor.
For the past seven years, BMO and the Impact have developed a high-level partnership strategy whose goals have been achieved. The results of this relationship led to the renewal of this deal, which will continue for years to come.
It’s a first piece of good news regarding the club’s efforts toward the Quebec business community.
Montreal Impact president Joey Saputo stated: “We are both excited and feverish to continue what we have already started with BMO. For us, this is a historic deal, because our club can always count on the unconditional support of a prestigious partner for the years to come. This unique partnership is also an enormous pledge of confidence because it testifies to the value and importance that the Montreal Impact has in the Quebec market. We are extremely grateful for this continued commitment and trust.”
Claude Gagnon, president, Operations, BMO Financial Group, Quebec commented on the extension: “The unifying effect of this sport allows us to celebrate our Montreal team with the community and being close to the people we serve is very important to us; it is part of the inner values embodied by BMO. We are proud of our partnership with the Montreal Impact since the team entered the MLS in 2012 and it is with great enthusiasm that we will meet the fans of the Impact through this renewed partnership for many years to come.”
As a presenting partner, BMO most notably has its logo on the Montreal Impact jersey, as well as an increased presence inside Stade Saputo. BMO contributes in an exceptional way to the supporters’ experience and to the benefits of every soccer fan in the province.
BMO’s different ongoing initiatives will continue, and new programs will be put in place, most notably with BMO clients, who will be able to take advantage of even more unique experiences.
