The Football Association has told an under-10s football team that they must cease their sponsorship deal with Hooters "reinforce their understanding" of the regulations. The governing body said they have not been by the approached by the club regarding the deal, and that "the request would have been declined" anyway.
Hooters said it had agreed to sponsor Burton Joyce's Under-10 team for their forthcoming youth football season. The American chain of sports bars, known for having waitresses in revealing outfits, has a long-standing restaurant in Nottingham and is opening a second venue in Liverpool soon.
Hooters Nottingham announced news of its plans to sponsor the team on Thursday, September 1, in a Facebook post. Alongside pictures of the players posing with two waitresses from the restaurant, the caption read: “Hooters Nottingham are proud to be the new sponsors of Burton Joyce U10s. We wish you all the luck this season boys. Go smash it.”
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However, they have now been urged to cease their agreement. In a statement, Nottinghamshire FA said: "The County FA had not been approached by the club seeking sanction for the sponsorship and had we have been, the request would have been declined in accordance with FA rules appertaining to the Kit and Advertising Regulations.
"From being made aware of the sponsorship we have been working with the club to reinforce their understanding of the regulations surrounding such sponsorship.
"We understand the difficult climate that grassroots football operates within and urge any club seeking investment from sponsorship that they are fully aware of the regulations or contact us for clarification."
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