Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter to react after The Times revealed that the Premier League have now made changes to sponsorship rules.
What’s the story?
Well, the Newcastle fans aren’t happy about this, to say the least.
The Times believe 18 Premier League clubs voted to prevent inflated related-party sponsorship deals, with Manchester City and the Magpies the only two exceptions.
Amanda Staveley is said to have sent a lengthy email to Premier League clubs threatening legal action, as the rules are anti-competitive.
Now, Newcastle will have to submit all sponsorship deals to the Premier League, where an independent company will then decide whether the proposed deal is of fair market value.
The Times add that any sponsorship deal obtained by Newcastle will have to match similar deals made by clubs of a similar size, to make it fair market value.
For example, a shirt or stadium sponsorship will have to be of a similar level to those paid to the likes of Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa.
Newcastle fans shouldn’t worry about new Premier League ruling
In truth, this sounds worse than it is.
Some Newcastle fans quite rightly asked why their club must be locked in the same bracket as Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa when it comes to sponsorship.
However, it’s all relative to the projected growth of a club.
The Premier League will hire an external analyst to examine what fair market value actually is in the context of the situation.
In Newcastle’s case, they will not forever be limited to sponsorship deals relative to a bottom-half side, as they can prove they are capable of smashing through that glass ceiling.
Proof of rapid investment in infrastructure and playing staff will make it hard for analysts to argue that Newcastle will not grow as a club.
For now, let’s see what the Newcastle fans on Twitter have been saying about the new Premier League sponsorship rules…
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