AFC BOURNEMOUTH'S shirt sponsor for the 2024/25 Premier League season has denied allegations that it has links to cockfighting in the Philippines. 

The front-of-shirt sponsor for AFC Bournemouth's men's first team, Asian betting company BJ88 says it has no links to allowing customers to bet on cockfighting in the Philippines.

Allegations of the betting company's links to cockfighting and allowing betting in countries in which gambling is illegal have spread online, causing concern among fans.

Despite the company's denial of the allegations, Gayle Hope, society secretary of the Cherries Trust, said: "We were very uncomfortable with a gambling sponsor to begin with but there's been all sorts of murkiness.

"There's a lack of transparency from every party involved. We don't want to sit back and do nothing. The fans are concerned."

The Cherries Trust released a statement on social media following the allegations towards BJ88 in which the trust assured fans that it had voiced its concerns 'vociferously' to the club. 

BJ88 has claimed that any site that advertises cockfight betting is not genuine and says has threatened legal action against any "copycat" sites.

A spokesperson for BJ88 said: "BJ88 has been made aware of several websites and social media channels mirroring our brand name, logo and other intellectual property.

 

"Although some may be similar in design and in some of the services offered, these companies, websites and social media channels are not genuine.

"We wish to emphasise, we do not in any way represent or condone the practices of these groups and we will where necessary and appropriate take legal action to ensure our business, reputation and customers are protected."

Founded in Asia in 2021, BJ88 has not launched in the UK but has announced plans to do so in the near future.

BJ88 has worked with sports clubs in the past including in both cricket and football and is said to be donating to community initiatives as part of the deal. 

Alexia Clifford, GambleAware chief communications officer, said: “We are concerned about the normalisation of gambling, particularly for children and young people, many of whom can be exposed to gambling through advertising and marketing in sport.

"More needs to be done to protect people from gambling harm, which is why we’re calling for a ban on gambling marketing at sports events such as football matches and for all gambling advertising to include health warnings.”

For more information on gambling to seek help visit Gamble Aware's website or call 08080 8020.

The Echo contacted AFC Bournemouth but the club declined to comment.