English Premier League (EPL) clubs Newcastle United, West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion have announced sponsorship deals with Indian tyre manufacturer Madras Rubber Factory Limited, also known as MRF, on Friday.
Newcastle and West Ham jerseys will feature MRF'S logo as part of its sleeve sponsorship, while West Brom has signed up the Indian manufacturer as its official tyre sponsors.
The 2017-18 season is the first year since the inception of the Premier League in 1992 that the Football Association has allowed sleeve sponsorships. Earlier, sponsor brand names could feature only on the front of the shirts.
Lee Charnley, managing director at Newcastle United, said, “I am delighted to welcome MRF as the club’s first shirt sleeve partner.
“MRF is a hugely respected global brand and a market leader in a territory where a passion for football is continuing to grow.
“The partnership is a great fit for Newcastle United and we look forward to building our relationship and assisting MRF in growth both domestically and internationally.”
Koshy K. Varghese, MRF’s executive vice-president of marketing, said: “We are thrilled to join Newcastle United at an important time in the club’s history.
“To be the club’s first shirt sleeve partner in its 125th anniversary year is a huge honour and we’re proud to be part of a one-club city. We are extremely excited for the Premier League season ahead.”
Karren Brady, West Ham’s vice-chairman, welcomed its latest partner, “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United I’d like to welcome MRF to our family of partners. MRF join us at an important time in our history as we embark on our second season at London Stadium and look to grow as a club on and off the pitch.”
Of its association with the Hammers, Varghese said, “We’re delighted to join West Ham United as their first ever sleeve partner. They’re one of the most historic teams in not only English football, but world football and we’re honoured to be part of their journey.
"From the stadium to their loyal fanbase, we know everything about the club is going in the right direction. We look forward to the Premier League season ahead.”
West Brom's chief commercial officer, Simon King, was delighted with its association with the tyre brand, “As we continue our eighth consecutive season in the Premier League, we believe the status of the league combined with our ever-growing fanbase gives MRF a great platform to build their brand.”
Verghese was looking forward to continuing its partnership with the Baggies in England's top tier league for years to come. “West Brom have proved to be one of the most consistent and reliable teams in the Premier League and we are delighted to join them as their official tyre partner. The club and the Premier League provide us with an enormous platform for brand growth and we’re extremely excited to be part of the journey with the Baggies,” said Verghese.
Other EPL sides to have announced sleeve sponsors this season include Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Southampton, Crystal Palace, Stoke City, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, Watford and Huddersfield Town.
Comments
SHARE