Fulham announce record kit deal with betting sponsor W88

Fulham have confirmed their shirt sponsor for the 2022-23 season will be the gambling firm W88 after a “record” agreement for the club.

The betting firm will be Fulham’s front of shirt sponsor for their men’s and women’s teams and will replace blockchain telecommunications network World Mobile, who have moved to the club’s shirt sleeves and training gear.

W88, who have a strong presence in Asia, have previously sponsored Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with Palace ending their association with the gambling company this summer.

Fulham sales director, Jon Don-Carolis, said: “We’re pleased to welcome W88 on board as main team partner this season in a record sponsorship deal for the club. The deal provides significant revenue to assist with our commercial objectives, enabling us to compete in a challenging and exciting Premier League campaign.”

Fulham’s sponsorship confirmation arrives amid growing expectation that gambling sponsors in the top flight will end in the near future.

The Premier League wants clubs to support the phasing out of shirt sponsorship by gambling companies to avoid a ban imposed by the government.

Fulham supporters have previously expressed reservations about adopting a gambling sponsor. The Fulham Supporters’ Trust conducted a survey last year among supporters which found 47 per cent supported a ban on gambling shirt sponsors, and 46 per cent would be uncomfortable with one as the club’s main sponsor.

The Fulham Supporters’ Trust told The Athletic last week: “We know that many fans are uncomfortable with gambling shirt sponsors, and a significant number have told us they don’t buy replica shirts and other merchandise because of it.

“With the likelihood of a voluntary ban on gambling front of shirt sponsors being agreed by the Premier League imminently, it appears Fulham, along with other clubs, are taking the last opportunity to get revenue from overseas gambling companies that don’t operate in the UK.”

Fulham also confirmed they will unveil their new kit on Friday July 29, and it will be worn for the first time by the men’s team in a friendly against Villarreal on Sunday.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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