Byrne To Take Over England Commercial Rights

According to industry sources, Terry Byrne, former advisor to
ex-England captain David Beckham, has clinched a deal with Simon
Fuller’s 19 Entertainment Group to run the business which represents
the commercial interests of the England football team.

Byrne is thought to have acquired the entire 1966 Entertainment Limited company from 19 Entertainment for an undisclosed fee.

The company, which was set up three years ago, established the successful Team England Footballers Charity, which donates the players’ match appearance fees to partner charities such as the Bobby Moore Fund as well as grass-root football projects.

The company also manages the relationships between the players, The FA and commercial sponsors.

Byrne is quoted as saying: ‘I am grateful to Simon for 19’s help in attracting Team England to 1966 and for his constant personal support. I hope that we will find ways of continuing to work together.’

Simon Fuller added: “1966 was very much Terry’s vision and its success has been largely down to his efforts and those of his excellent team. It is appropriate that 19 reflects this and allows Terry to build the Company as he chooses. We wish him well and hope to find ways to co-operate in the future”.

A industry source added: ’19 Entertainment has grown very quickly with some very high profile and profitable business interests including  David and Victoria Beckham, Andy Murray, American Idol, Claudia Schiffer and Annie Lennox generating over £50m profits  in the last year and the 1966 business no longer fits the developing business  model.’

The company hopes to have raised over £1m from the players’ charity by the time of next year’s World Cup in South Africa.