Manchester City's Sponsorship Success Amid Premier League Charges
Manchester City have been handed a significant boost as they secure two high-profile sponsorship agreements, despite facing 115 charges from the Premier League regarding historical financial conduct. The club has continued to attract new commercial partners, with recent deals involving Revolut and Chinese firm BYD, which industry experts describe as a 'massive vote of confidence' in the football club.
Business as Usual for City's Commercial Operations
Since the allegations emerged in February 2023, Manchester City have maintained their innocence and operated on a 'business as usual' basis in their commercial activities. The club has expanded its corporate partnerships, with Revolut extending its association to become the back-of-shirt sponsor for the men's squad in domestic cup fixtures. Additionally, BYD now appears on the shirt sleeve of the training strip for both the men's and women's squads.
Former Premier League chief executive Christian Purslow, who has held roles at Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, highlighted the significance of these deals. He noted that Manchester City remain capable of securing impressive partnerships ahead of their competitors, even amid uncertainty over the club's future due to the charges, which could result in points penalties or removal from the league if upheld.
Expert Insights on Sponsorship Confidence
On The Football Boardroom Podcast, Purslow emphasised that the quality of sponsors reflects the health of top football clubs. He stated, 'Manchester City in the last week or two have added two commercial partners. One is BYD, the Chinese EV maker, one of the fastest growing companies in the world. Every single football club in the world would want BYD as their automotive car partner; they've gone to Manchester City.'
He also pointed out that Revolut, a rapidly growing fintech company expected to have a major public offering soon, has chosen Manchester City as its banking partner. Purslow argued that these endorsements by major business entities show no hesitation from the commercial sphere, despite the ongoing legal case. 'If Billy Hogan at Liverpool or Todd Boehly at Chelsea were offered a chance to have Revolut and BYD as sponsors, they would pull your arm off,' he added.
Implications for City's Legal Strategy
The sponsorship deals suggest that Manchester City see no reason to settle the case or give up their appeal, as they maintain their innocence and have a legitimate course of action. The club's ability to attract such prestigious partners underscores their confidence in overcoming the allegations, with no indication that brands are anxious about associating with City.
This development comes as Manchester City continue to await a ruling on the Premier League charges, which have been pending for three years. The club's commercial resilience highlights a broader trend of business support, potentially influencing public perception and legal proceedings.
