The £22m financial blow Burnley could receive due to potential ‘voluntary’ ban

Here, we explain what could happen and how potential changes could impact the Clarets.

ARE BURNLEY SPONSORED BY BOOKMAKERS?

Yes. Burnley’s famous burgundy and light blue shirt is sponsored by online gaming and gambling company, LoveBet - the pair signed a three-season agreement at the start of the current campaign.

HOW IS BETTING IMPACTING FOOTBALL?

Half of Premier League clubs and 17 of 24 Championship clubs are sponsored by bookmakers.

This has led to concerns about the potential impact on young fans and vulnerable people, with gambling addiction estimated to cost the UK up to £1.2 billion per year.

The worries about gambling, football and its impact led to the creation of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), who recently relayed their findings to parliament.

WHAT DO THE BGC SAY?

BGC chair Brigid Simmonds, speaking to the House of Lords' Gambling Industry Committee, said: "We are certainly looking at the whole issue of sponsorship.

"I think, as one of us said earlier, there are good messages.

“All the sponsorship that goes with clubs is about putting responsible messages on shirts as well as the name.

"We can consider this going forward, we are active in considering it.”

HOW COULD THIS IMPACT BURNLEY?

Given that bookmakers are now "considering" a voluntary ban on football shirt sponsorship and pitchside advertising, Burnley's coffers could take a hit in the future.

That’s because gambling companies tend to be able to offer the most lucrative sponsorship deals.

Indeed, Burnley's three-season deal with LoveBet is thought to be worth an eye-watering £7.5million per year (£22.5million in total), meaning the club could lose out on a similar figure from future sponsorship deals if the voluntary ban does come into effect.

AND WHAT DOES THE PREMIER LEAGUE MAKE OF THIS?

However, the Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, had this to say in response to campaigners’ concerns: “I think this area does need stronger governance, particularly to protect the vulnerable.

“I don’t think the answer coming out at the end of it should be that football clubs shouldn’t have shirts sponsored by gambling companies.”