Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel has been unable to don the club’s new training kit sponsor due to gambling regulations. United recently announced a £20million per year deal with Betway, which sees the gambling company sponsoring the squad’s training gear.
The agreement was possible due to a loophole in the new Premier League rule set to take effect in the 2026/27 season, which bans gambling companies from serving as front-of-shirt sponsors. The rule change was initially agreed upon back in April 2023, but the ban does not prevent gambling companies from appearing on shirt sleeves and training kits, as well as in stadiums.
Premier League restriction
When announcing the Betway deal, United’s chief business officer Marc Armstrong said: "The scale of our exciting new partnership reflects our growth strategy, the enduring global strength and appeal of Manchester United, and our ability to attract leading brands that want to engage with our vast worldwide fanbase."
However, Premier League rules prevent rising star Gabriel from wearing the new training kit sponsor. The 15-year-old, alongside any other under-18 player in the Premier League, is not allowed to wear kit which promotes gambling companies.
Other rules for the teenager
It is not the first rule that Gabriel has had to navigate as the teenager continues his ascent at United. The young forward is also forced to change separately from Michael Carrick’s squad due to safeguarding regulations.
However, that has not stopped Gabriel from already making his mark this summer. He was given his unofficial first team debut as a late substitute against Atletico Madrid at the start of the month.
Gabriel is eligible to play in the Premier League this season, as he will turn 16 during the campaign, though he will be unable to sign a professional contract until he is 17. The youngster impressed his United teammates after making his debut against Atletico.
Teammates' praise
United star Amad wrote on Instagram: "More to come little bro." Meanwhile, defender Leny Yoro shared his thoughts on Gabriel’s progression to the first team.
"He's a really good player," Yoro said. "Still really young, still a lot to learn, a lot to improve. He's really humble, still working, so I'm happy for him to get his first minutes, so I hope for him it's going to continue like that."
Gabriel claimed the U18 Premier League Player of the Season award after scoring 23 league goals in as many games. However, United teammate Bryan Mbeumo has previously admitted he envisions Gabriel occupying a slightly different role in Carrick’s team.
"He’s actually kind of a winger, he’s a dribbler and even in front of the box, I still think he’s good, honestly," Mbeumo told Zack En Roue Libre in March. "He’s strong, the little guy is strong."
"Yeah, he’s strong, he’s really something, frankly... I think he’s 15. You feel that he’s bound to be a little kid but he trains quite a bit with us and actually you see, you can feel that the little guy has something special."
