Barcelona are currently one of the few European sides who do not receive a fee for sponsorship on their shirts. They currently carry the name of Unicef and in fact I believe that they give money to the charitable organisation in the region of £1million.
It was seen as a superb humanitarian gesture by the Catalan club. The move has raised the profile of the organisation and in turn helped it raise more money for children in desperate need of help throughout the world.
Considered
It’s now being suggested by prospective president Sandro Rosell that the club may now consider shirt sponsorship for the first in 111 years of the club. It seems that Rosell doesn’t know all the financial facts and but has revealed that he does take over the club he wouldn’t rule it out. He has talked about it depending on the financial strength of the club if and when he does take control.
Money
Of course football is dominated by money and is big business for everybody involved in the game. Barcelona however are not going to be skint anytime soon and they have challenged the best in Europe without having to sell their soul and shirts.
Looking at it from another point of view though and Real Madrid’s big spenders has put Barcelona in the shade financially. With the Madridista’s putting in a stronger challenge to the European champions this season for the La Liga title, Barca may have to start spending to keep up with their bitter rivals.
Barcelona could earn an absolute fortune by selling shirt sponsorship, as every major company in the world would want their product on the shirts of one of the biggest clubs in the world. It would put their product on televisions around the world every weekend.
Special
Barcelona are a special club and the fact that they don’t sell shirt sponsorship rights makes them almost unique. It adds to the legend of a football club that’s regarded as more than just a sporting organisation.
The Barcelona fans have mixed feelings towards shirt sponsorship. There will be those fans hoping that the shirt sponsorship rights aren’t sold and that the club keep the Unicef banner on the shirt. I as a fan of Barcelona would rather be advertising Unicef than a mobile company or sports company.
There will also be fans that are in favour of selling the rights in aide of challenging Real Madrid for transfer targets. They will see it as a chance to bring in a substantial income to challenge the biggest spenders of world football.
Tradition
I really can’t see Barcelona changing on this particular issue after 111 years of tradition. Barcelona are a club who are all about the fans and whole history and tradition of the club. The majority of the fans won’t want some soulless company’s name on their team’s shirts.
Income
Last year Barcelona was second to only Real Madrid in the wealthiest clubs by revenue list. They earned £331million in season 2008/2009. That’s not exactly small change and it seems that the Spanish and European champions are in a position to turn down the offer of a big money shirt sponsorship deal.
I believe they will and if they don’t then it will take a certain degree of uniqueness away from the club, which is a crying shame. However shirt sponsor or no shirt sponsor Barcelona will remain a special club throughout the world.
I’d like our readers opinion on this issue, should Barcelona sell their shirt sponsorship?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
