by Renee Israel
The world of online gambling took another step closer to UK premier football
after another top club signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with a gaming group.
Burnley FC, one of the oldest football clubs around with a sterling
128 year reputation, became the eighth top club in the UK to enter into a deal
with an online gaming operator, after joining with the Asian group Fun88 in a
two year deal.
"We are delighted and proud to have secured Fun88 as our shirt sponsors for
the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons," noted the chairman of Burnley Football Club,
Barry Kilby. "This multi million pound deal is clear evidence of the global
appeal of Burnley Football Club as a result of Premier League status."
Fun88, which carries an operating license from the Isle of Man and is thus
allowed under UK gambling laws to promote its services in the country, will
emblazon its name on Burnley's home and away shirts.
"We had discussions with many top international companies expressing an
interest in getting involved with the club," recalled Kilby. "But we feel the
special relationship we have enjoyed and established with Fun88 will be one that
is hugely beneficial to both parties. We look forward immensely to working with
them on several exciting ventures over the next two years."
Nick Lee, speaking for the owners of Fun88, said that sponsoring the Premier
League was in line with the company's ambitions to move its brand to the next
level in Asian markets.
It also saw the deal as way to reach out to the European market, where it
hopes to penetrate into next season.
"As part of the club sponsorship Fun88 will be launching a number of
marketing initiatives in the next few months," said Lee. "This will further
reinforce Fun88's association with the club."
