Premier League newcomers Fulham FC has reportedly agreed a deal with W88 that will see the Asia focused online casino and sports betting operator become front of shirt sponsor.
The potential move comes amid much debate on the future of such alliances, with rumours of a government imposed sanction as part of the much delayed Gambling Act review or voluntary ban by England’s top flight clubs continuing to swirl.
The Craven Cottage-based side have yet to release kits for the new season, which gets underway on Friday 5 August, and have therefore kept any front of shirt placement under wraps.
However, in a move picked up by many, W88 was named as Fulham’s shirt sponsor in the official Premier League Handbook 2022/23 that was published this week. It should be noted that the listing was subsequently removed and now reads ‘to be advised’.
Should the partnership be confirmed in due course, W88, which is no stranger to the Premier League following past deals with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, would replace World Mobile.
However, despite stepping back from its previous deal, the blockchain-based mobile network extended its Fulham partnership to become sleeve sponsor for the coming season.
During 2021, the Fulham Supporters Trust conducted a wide ranging survey which discovered that “a significant proportion of fans are uncomfortable with Fulham being sponsored by a gambling brand”.
It was reported that 47 per cent of 1,400 respondents believe that gambling should be banned from sponsorship in football altogether, with 46 per cent said to be uncomfortable with the club’s main sponsor being from the industry.
Last month, fellow Premier League outfit Everton disclosed a club-record sponsorship deal with cryptocurrency betting and gaming operator Stake which has subsequently received backlash from fans.
