English Premier League club Everton on Sunday cut short its $9 million jersey sponsor deal with Kenya-based sports betting company SportPesa.
SportPesa has been in trouble with the Kenyan government over new tax laws, and this could have been a factor in the decision made by Everton.
Everton released the following statement:
“Everton Football Club will end its partnership agreement with SportPesa at the end of the current season.
The gaming brand, which has been Everton’s main partner since 2017, has agreed to the termination of its contract. The agreement has been reached following a comprehensive review by the club of its commercial strategy in line with its vision and future growth plans.
A club spokesperson said: “This has been a difficult decision but one that allows us to best deliver on our commercial plan and to grasp the new opportunities now open to us.
“The club would like to thank SportPesa for all of the work that has been done together. Our partnership has seen our first team visit Africa on two occasions, as well as former players and club staff, take part in numerous activations in the region. This has allowed us to grow our own footprint in Africa and further strengthen our special relationship with the continent.”
SportPesa said in a statement: “Following the statement released last night by Everton FC, SportPesa can confirm that its commercial arrangement with the Club will conclude by mutual agreement at the end of the current season after a successful partnership.
“We would like to thank Everton FC for their support, in particular for their valued input on an array of charitable projects in Africa.
“We understand that this agreement allows Everton to pursue a variety of other commercial arrangements for next season, which we note they are already doing.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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