SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
English Premier League football club AFC Bournemouth has confirmed that it has terminated its current sponsorship agreement with online gambling group Mansion’s subsidiary, M88.
The sponsorship termination comes as the predominantly Asian-facing brand is reported to be under investigation by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
Bournemouth had previously secured a two-year partnership with the online operator, which was then extended in May 2019 as part of a club-record deal.The agreement saw M88 featured on the front of the club’s home, away and third shirts, and training wear in a deal worth approximately £5 million per season.
Thanking the online operator for its support, the team revealed that it will play the remaining games in the 2019/20 season campaign in new training wear and playing kits. The sleeve sponsorship with parent company Mansion is said to be unaffected.
Following the announcement, the Daily Mail reported that the Cherries could be considering a ‘thank you’ message to COVID-19 frontline medical staff, but any sponsorship agreement would require approval from the Premier League.
