Some health experts have slammed Tottenham and several other clubs who announced new commercial deals with Coca-Cola this week.
On Thursday, Spurs announced a multi-year official partnership with Coca-Cola. They revealed that as a result of the partnership, the company’s range of products, including Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, will be available at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from now onwards.
The likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also agreed on a new sponsorship arrangement with the beverage manufacturer this week as the drinks brand aims to grow its football portfolio.
FIFA and the FA already have commercial deals in place with Coca-Cola but the governing bodies and aforementioned clubs have now been criticised for the move.
Heath experts have now warned about the impact that sugary drinks have in adversely affecting children’s health.
Professor David Strain, the British Medical Association’s (BMA) board of science chair, has called for a crackdown on the advertising of junk food in the sport.
He told The Daily Mail: “The UK is in the grip of an obesity epidemic, which is having a devastating impact on people’s health and lives, as well as on public services and the economy.
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“It is absurd that some of the very food and drink that contribute so keenly to the obesity crisis have been closely linked with sports through commercial deals for so long.
“Specifically, given the influence that advertising can have on children, and the way they look up to their favourite sports teams and personalities, such sponsorship deals can have a really damaging effect.
“The BMA has long called for a crackdown on junk food advertising in sport, and this is even more vital now that the new Government seems to be rolling back on its previous pledges to tackle obesity levels. It’s high time these ties are severed for good.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Childhood obesity is indeed an increasingly worsening issue around the world and perhaps elite sports teams do hold some responsibility in this regard. However, one can argue that partnerships with betting companies or alcoholic brands, which are commonplace in sport, is just as big an issue if not worse.
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