Almost three-quarters of football fans in England and Wales are concerned about the level of gambling sponsorship at matches, according to the Football Supporters Association (FSA).
The Financial Services Agency released its latest survey results last week. annual surveygathered fan opinions for the 2022-23 season.
Of the 10,000 fans surveyed, 73% said they were concerned about the amount of gambling advertising in football.
Big Step, a campaign to end all forms of gambling advertising in football, responded to a survey and said it showed how “unpopular” such sponsorships are among fans.
A spokesman for Big Step said: “We don’t need a study to show how unpopular football gambling ads are.” “But this poll confirms that an overwhelming number of fans don’t want their beautiful games to be tainted with ads for addictive or harmful products.
“Around the world, organizations and governments are phasing out all forms of gambling advertising. It’s time for UK football clubs and authorities to listen to fans and do the same.”
The findings came after English Premier League top division clubs agreed in April to stop sponsoring gambling on matchday shirts.
Sponsorship withdrawal will take effect from the end of the 2025-26 season. Contracts with carriers can continue until then, and teams can enter into new partnerships, as long as they are signed before the ban.
However, this has not deterred several Premier League clubs from agreeing shirt deals with Gamble brands ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Last week, betting operator SBOTOP agreed to become Fulham’s new main kit sponsor. Newly promoted Burnley also announced a one-year shirt sponsorship deal with W88.
Earlier this month, Aston Villa agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with Asia-based operator BK8. The deal will last until the end of 2025-2026.
However, Newcastle United has opted to downgrade its contract with offshore operator Fun88. The brand has been a principal partner since the 2017-18 season.
