 |
| Getty Images |
Newcastle's stadium name will revert to St James' Park after the Premier League club agreed a four-year sponsorship deal with a loan company.
Wonga will become the club's main shirt sponsor from next season, replacing Virgin Money, and will also invest £1.5m in the club's academy.
The firm also purchased the stadium naming rights and decided on a return to the traditional name.
The stadium had been called the Sports Direct Arena since November 2011.
"We listened over the last three days and we saw what really matters to the fans," a Wonga spokesman said.
"Football is an emotional sport and it is obviously really important to them.
"We listened to what they wanted and that is why we did it."
Prior to the announcement, Football Association general secretary Alex Horne expressed some concern with that the deal was with a loan company.
He told BBC Radio 5 live: "We are talking to the leagues about it, but on the one hand it's a legislative issue. If these companies are charging the wrong rates of interest then legislation should help us out. The leagues have clear rules about certain inappropriate advertising for children.
"We are talking to the leagues on Friday about it. If you consider it as in the category of things that are inappropriate for children like gambling and alcohol, it feels like it is in that category to me."
Wonga sponsors two other British football clubs. It has deals with Scottish Premier League side Hearts and Championship team Blackpool.
No comments:
Post a Comment