Newcastle United Set For New Shirt Sponsor
Newcastle United is reportedly set to sign a major front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Saudi events company Sela.
According to Sky News, Sela is in detailed negotiations about becoming the Magpies’ biggest commercial partner.
It is thought that Sela is now the leading contender to replace gambling company Fun88 as Newcastle’s front-of-shirt sponsor following the Premier League’s ban of gambling companies being shown of the front of shirts.
If the discussions are successfully concluded, a deal could be announced as soon as next month, in time for replica kits to be produced ahead of the new season kicking off in August. For the first time since the 2002/03 season, Newcastle United will be competing in the Champions League after securing a spot in European football’s elite competition on Monday.
Sela Sports, founded in 1995, claims to be the first athlete representation group from Saudi Arabia to be recognised by governing body FIFA, and has extensive links to the Saudi men’s national team.
The deal is also likely to test the Premier League’s new rules on party-related transactions.
The club’s recent £305m takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) drew protests from other Premier League clubs due to human rights issues in the country. The scrutiny meant the Premier League tightened its rules on state ownership in English footballs top-flight.
Newcastle United’s latest Saudi deal will likely be placed under review by the Premier League.
