Premier League refuse to comment as Aston Villa involved in fresh controversy
Aston Villa are one of six Premier League clubs that fail to offer adult supporters a replica shirt without a gambling sponsor on it following the regulation change, according to the Mirror.
In July 2024, regulations were put in place by the Premier League to protect supporters from being so heavily exposed to the dangers of gambling with new rules surrounding betting sponsorships.
One of the restrictions imposed should have seen any clubs who emblazon a gambling sponsor, offer a sponsor-free replica shirt to its supporters. However, Aston Villa are one of the few clubs that have not adhered to this.
The report from the Mirror states: “The rules read: “Ensuring that mechanisms exist to enable supporters to have the ability to purchase adult replica kits that do not include gambling sponsorship logos, in the event that they are not otherwise available for purchase.”
“However, after being contacted by the Pitch Inspection, six clubs – Aston Villa (Betano), Brentford (Hollywood Bets), Everton (Stake.com), Fulham (SBOTOP), Nottingham Forest (Kaiyun) and Southampton (Rollbit) – do not currently offer replica adult kits that come without gambling sponsors. When contacted by Mirror Football, the Premier League refused to comment.”
What does it mean for Aston Villa?
Whether Aston Villa face any punishment for failing to adhere to the Premier League regulations is yet to be seen and if so, a fine is possible.
However, one thing that will definitely change in the future is the inclusion of betting sponsors as a whole. Starting in summer 2026, front-of-shirt betting sponsors will be banned in the Premier League and it is a change that has been needed for a long time now.
It is nigh on impossible to engage with the sport currently without being faced with gambling temptations or adverts whether it be in the grounds, on TV or across social media.
The change in 2026 will mean that Aston Villa will be forced to find a new front-of-shirt sponsor to adhere to the strict rules set to be imposed and while it could potentially have a minor negative effect financially, the positive effect on the consumer base will be astronomical.
In other Aston Villa news, Dan Bardell believes loanee Samuel Iling-Junior could make his first Villa Park appearance for Bologna in the Champions League
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