Shorts: Richard Garlick, Burnley FC, T20 Premier League

Arsenal have promoted Managing Director, Richard Garlick, to the role of Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

Garlick joined the Premier League club in 2021 as Director of Football Operations and has served as Managing Director for the last year, leading the club’s Executive Team.

The promotion is part of a wider evolution of the club’s Board of Directors, led by Co-Chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke. After five years with the club, Tim Lewis has stepped down from the Board. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s (KSE) Kelly Blaha and Otto Maly will join the Board as Non-Executive Directors, alongside KSE adviser Dave Steiner.

Producer and director, Ben Winston, a season ticket holder for over 30 years, will also join as a Non-Executive Director. The appointments are subject to completion of the Premier League’s Owners and Directors Test.

Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke said, “We are delighted to promote Rich to CEO after an incredibly successful period as Managing Director of Arsenal. Rich has made an enormous impact on all fronts as we continue to strive to win major trophies, be financially sustainable and put our supporters at the heart of everything. At this moment, we would like to thank Tim for his continued dedication and commitment to Arsenal in a period of transformational change for the club.

“The group know and love Arsenal, and will bring a different skillset and expertise while injecting fresh thinking and energy to support us all to achieve our ambitions.”

Burnley FC have partnered with Sure For Men and X for the social media platform’s first UK Original Series.

The deal sees Sure For Men become the exclusive sponsor of Keeping The Faith, a new 20-part real-time documentary series following the club through the 2025/26 Premier League season. The series will be broadcast exclusively on X and is the first X Original to be commissioned in the UK, following 27 previous shows across the US, Japan, Europe and MENA regions.

The series will offer behind-the-scenes access to the club, with episodes dropping fortnightly on Thursdays. The first episode will feature Chairman Alan Pace, Head Coach Scott Parker, and new signing Kyle Walker.

As part of the agreement, Sure For Men will receive targeted product placement within the series, in-ground digital-board branding at Turf Moor, and matchday kit branding rights.

Chris Barron, General Manager, Personal Care UK & I, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to join Burnley FC on their journey, positioning our brand at the heart of sporting storytelling. It allows us to engage fans in meaningful ways, driving desire at scale through culturally relevant content and innovative partnerships.”

James Holroyd, CEO, Burnley FC, added, “This partnership is a landmark for Burnley Football Club. ‘Keeping The Faith’ gives us the chance to share the real, behind-the-scenes story of our club in a way that is authentic, far-reaching, and engaging.

“Working with Sure For Men and X provides the platform to connect with millions of fans worldwide while highlighting the ambition and spirit that define Burnley. It reflects our commitment to opening up the club and engaging with audiences in new and meaningful ways. We are excited to be working with X and Sure For Men on this unique and innovative partnership.”

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has strengthened its leadership team

MacNeice, the current Chair of Cricket Ireland, has been appointed Chair of the ETPL Board. Deutrom, the former CEO of Cricket Ireland, joins the ETPL on a full-time basis as Director, ETPL and Chair of its parent company, Rules X. Andrew May, CFO of Cricket Ireland, will continue as a Board Director.

The appointments are part of the build-up to the league’s launch and are designed to strengthen the partnership between the new league and its founding partners. The ETPL, a partnership between Rules X and the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, aims to become Europe’s premier franchise T20 competition.

The league was founded by a group including Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and former Delhi Capitals CEO Dhiraj Malhotra. Financial advisory firm Oakvale Capital is working with the league to raise funds and find buyers for its franchises.

Brian MacNeice, Chair, ETPL Board, said, “The European T20 Premier League marks an exciting new chapter for the game in Europe. It carries the potential not only to inspire a new generation of players and fans, but also to firmly establish Europe as a vibrant and credible cricketing destination.

“At Cricket Ireland, we are delighted to be a founding partner in this journey, and we look forward to working closely with the ETPL leadership team to deliver a league built on the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and governance.”

Competition platform Football Prizes has partnered with broadcaster Jeff Stelling.

The collaboration marks the start of the 2025/26 football season and will see the former Soccer Saturday host front a series of social content pieces. The content has been developed and produced by creative communications agency Hatch Group.

Stelling’s new role will see him showcase the opportunities the platform offers, which includes prize bundles worth up to £250,000. The partnership aims to grow the platform’s audience of fans who compete for signed merchandise, match tickets, and other football-related experiences.

Jeff Stelling, said, “Football Prizes has created a brilliant way of rewarding fans with the chance to own something truly special from the clubs and players they follow. I’m really excited to be working with the team to kick off the new season and help bring these incredible prizes to life.”

Billy Kirwin, Managing Partner, Football Prizes, added, “Jeff is a genuine football legend, and his connection with fans is second to none. Working with him to front our new season of content is a dream start to the campaign, and we can’t wait for our community and new fans to see what’s coming next.”

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