June 28 – Norwich City have signed Lotus Cars as the club’s shirt sponsor in a one-year deal and as a replacement for online gamer BK8 who had initially committed to the position but were withdrawn after fan protests.
BK8 has signed what was a record £5 million sponsorship deal for the club but was cancelled after fans discovered an Instagram channel marketing services to Malaysian customers that promoted ‘sexy baccarat’ and suggestive images of hot dog swallowing contests.
Under the hashtag #hergametoo, fans complained that the soft porn images were offensive, degrading and against the club’s principles.
No value was given for the Lotus deal which is also for just the 2021-22 season.
As well as first team shirts the Lotus logo will feature across City’s first team, academy and women’s kit and training wear.
Lotus, a local Norfolk brand, previously featured on the club’s away jersey between 2003 and 2006. In recent seasons it has sponsored the club’s training centre and academy.
The shirt sponsorship is opportune for Lotus which next month launches its new Emira sports car.
It also sees the partnership between the club and Lotus taken to the next level, after the Norfolk-based company’s successful sponsorship of the club’s training centre and academy over recent seasons.
Norwich chief operating officer Ben Kensell said: “Through the club’s many dealings with the Lotus team, led by group CEO, Mr Feng Qingfeng and managing director, Matt Windle, our relationship has grown from strength to strength.
“Since 2019 Lotus has proudly sponsored our training centre, and we’ve worked together on some great initiatives for our junior supporters, with the logo featuring on junior kits for the last few seasons. We are now delighted to be taking our partnership to the next level and we’re all excited to see the Lotus logo return to our first team match kits.”
Simon Clare, executive director of global marketing for Lotus Cars, said: “The partnership has blossomed over the past couple of years and we share so many values as organisations. We’re investing heavily in the business globally, and particularly in our home county of Norfolk. Seeing our brand on the famous yellow and green shirts for the return to the Premier League is a symbol of both Lotus Cars and Norwich City’s global ambitions and return to the top-flight.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1716086669labto1716086669ofdlr1716086669owedi1716086669sni@n1716086669osloh1716086669cin.l1716086669uap1716086669