Lee Charnley reacts to ‘long-term’ new Newcastle United deal

The club today announced that the sports betting and online gaming firm would remain as the club’s “primary partner” after a “new, long-term commercial agreement” was reached.

United managing director Lee Charnley said: “We’re delighted FUN88 has renewed its relationship with Newcastle United, and committed its support to the club over a number of years to come.

"Building on the success of our partnership to date, we look forward to this next phase and working together to engage fans and grow our collective reach around the globe.”

FUN88 have sponsored the Premier League club since 2017, and a spokesperson for the company said: “FUN88 is delighted to continue its association with Newcastle United.

“Together with the club, we live the dream of expanding our fan base across all continents, especially in Asia. FUN88 is optimistic that this partnership will assist us in becoming the leading gaming and entertainment platform in countries across the world.”

There had been speculation that the club, which is the subject of a Saudi Arabia-backed takeover bid, was set for a new sponsorship deal with a company in the kingdom.

The proposed takeover, which is 80% financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was submitted to the Premier League in April.

Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, said late last month that he hoped the owners’ and directors’s test would be concluded “shortly’.