An Edinburgh football club have pledged not to promote alcohol, tobacco or gambling after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Euro 2020 stance.
The Portuguese superstar removed a Coca-Cola bottle from a press conference because he felt it was undeserving of being associated with international football.
Now Edinburgh City have decided to act and say they want to “use our status within football as a positive force for change.”
More than 62% of SPFL clubs receive sponsorship from Alcohol, Tobacco and Betting companies, and in England that figure is even higher.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh City said: “Edinburgh City do not think that professional sport should endorse or support these activities, and it is our pledge not to promote Alcohol, Tobacco or Gambling in any form.
“We urge companies based in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas who hold similar values to work with us to carry this message forward and help us achieve our goal of being a force for good in the local community; helping children and young people develop a positive, healthy outlook on life.
“The launch of our new pledge comes in the wake of France international Paul Pogba & Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo’s snubs of Heineken and Coca-Cola at Euro 2020, brands they felt should not be associated with the sport; we would like to think they are following our lead!”
Chairman Jim Brown added: “As the Club works hard behind the scenes this summer to develop new partnerships & sponsors, we are specifically trying to work with likeminded socially responsible companies. Together we feel we can have a wider impact on the game, by doing things differently, but this can only be achieved with your support.”
