Sheffield United Sponsor Linked to Ponzi Scheme Fraud
Apr 17, 2021, by Pat
Sheffield United's sponsor, Australia-based Union Standard International Group (USG) came under further scrutiny earlier this year after it was reported that the company allegedly scammed more than AUD 500 million form Chinese investors.
It was already surprising to see the company continue on the front of Sheffield United's jerseys this season after it declared bankruptcy last summer. The partnership, which is based on a three-year deal signed in 2019, continued as regular but more bad news have come out since after investigations carried out by the administrators at insolvency firm BRI Ferrier.
In November it was reported by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald that USG had scammed "close to AUD 100 million from Australians". BRI Ferrier released a report earlier this year stating that it appears as if money raised from investors was used to cover trades of customers of its CFD business. The administrators believe that interest payments were financed through new members, one of the hallmarks of a Ponzi scheme. They believe that USG could have been insolvent since 2016.
The company is at the center of discussion as Australian politics are working on overhauling what is being described as "world-lagging regulation" of high-risk financial products that some believe is "Bigger than the Wolf of Wall Street".
After news about the firm's insolvency broke last year, Sheffield released the following statement.
"A spokesperson for USG has confirmed the following. The directors and management of USGFX are committed to continue working with all parties and assisting with matters to ensure all legal requirements are satisfied," said the statement.
"USG Group, known as USG, consists of several companies, including USG AU, USG UK and others. The news relates only to USG AU and does not influence the financial status or service of USG.
"The UK operation, USG UK, which is regulated by the FCA is not affected by this situation and continues to trade as normal."
However, BRI Ferrier's Peter Krejci confirmed already back then that the sponsorship was specifically paid through the Australian arm of the company.
"The sponsorship is on the Australian balance sheet as a pre-payment to Sheffield United," Krejci said.
There's one year left on the three-year deal that was signed in 2019, reportedly worth GBP 3.5 million per season, but it's looking increasingly likely that Sheffield United will have to find a new shirt sponsor for next season. The club certainly have experience in this as evidenced by the fact that they've had eight different shirt sponsors since Prince Abdullah took over as owner of the club in 2013.
For what it's worth, when you click the USG logo on the official club website, it just leads to a page declaring that it's in liquidation.
Do you think that Sheffield United will present a new main sponsor for next season? Comment below.
Crystal Palace 26-27 Third Kit Released
Crystal Palace and Macron have officially unveiled their new 26-27 third kit, dubbed the "Eagle Wings" kit. Completing the club's match collection for the new season alongside the Eagle Sash home and Eagle Black away shirts, the fresh release offers a dynamic, modern twist on Palace's classic visual identity.
The Macron Crystal Palace 26-27 third jersey reimagines the club's traditional red and blue vertical stripes into diagonal, lightning-bolt shapes filled with subtle eagle-wing sublimated patterns. Dark navy blue inserts frame the shoulders, sides, and lower sleeves, while the crew neck collar and sleeve cuffs feature a thin red stripe running through a wider navy band. Front sponsor Temporal sits centrally, complemented by a white Macron Hero logo and a full-colour club crest.
Additional bespoke details include a red eagle clutching a football printed on the outer back neck, taken directly from the club crest. Inside the collar, a custom label showcases the shirt's geometric pattern alongside the motto "SOUTH LONDON AND PROUD" and "Designed in Bologna."
Chelsea 26-27 Third Kit Spotted on Sale
The new Nike Chelsea 26-27 third shirt has been spotted on sale in official retail stores ahead of its scheduled launch. Photos taken at a Nike store in Orlando, Florida, reveal the final retail version on the racks with Premier League name and number printing, giving supporters a full look at the design before its official unveiling.
Premier League Uses Wrong Sleeve Patch on Arsenal Kit
The Premier League’s official Instagram promo for Matchweek 1 featured a major mistake: Arsenal's jersey was shown with the standard purple sleeve patch, while the golden champions patch was mistakenly placed on Liverpool's sleeve.
The error quickly sparked outrage among Gooners in the comment section. Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting the mistake and creating the graphic.
Oxford United 26-27 Third kit Released
Oxford United have officially announce their new third kit from Macron, ready for the upcoming 26-27 League One season.
Inspired by the creativity and culture of people of Oxford, the third kit uses a dark navy base with an outstanding yellow horizontal band. The collar, shoulder panels and details are also yellow, rounding off a "reversed home kit" look for the League One side.
What do you think of the new Oxford United 26-27 third kit by Macron? Let us know in the comments.
US Créteil 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
French Championnat National 1 side US Créteil have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 kit collection, made by adidas. The three-shirt lineup includes a special anniversary detail celebrating 90 years of the club.
The adidas US Créteil 2026-27 home shirt features a royal blue base with vibrant yellow pinstripes running down the front and lower back. Yellow also appears on the collar and adidas Three Stripes, while a subtle “1936 - 2026” anniversary print sits below the back collar. Free continues as the main front sponsor, with Deel on the sleeve.
The away shirt opts for a clean white base with a blue polo collar, yellow Three Stripes and a bold blue and yellow horizontal band across the chest.
Completing the collection, the third shirt comes in light pink with deep maroon detailing on the collar, adidas Three Stripes, sponsor logos and monochrome club crest.
What do you think of the new US Créteil 2026-27 kits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Boston United 26-27 Third Kit Released
English National League club Boston United have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 third kit. Made by New Balance, the new shirt completes the club's kit collection for the season.
The New Balance Boston United 2026-27 third shirt features a soft pink and muted lilac-grey base with an eye-catching all-over geometric shard graphic. Black detailing is applied to the New Balance logo, Drayton Motors Kia sponsor and monochrome club crest, creating a sharp contrast.
What do you think of the new Boston United 2026-27 third kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Holstein Kiel 26-27 Special Kit Released - 80th Anniversary of the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein
Holstein Kiel and Puma have officially released a new special kit for the 26-27 season, honoring the 80th anniversary of the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. The bespoke shirt pays homage to the state's colors and maritime identity positioned between the North and Baltic Seas.
The Puma Holstein Kiel 26-27 special shirt features a dynamic diagonal design incorporating the state's blue, white, and red colors. A central white diagonal band is flanked by blue on the right shoulder and chest and red on the lower left flank, seamlessly blended through a pixelated sea spray gradient. Blue sleeves, red Puma logos, and a dual-colored V-neck collar complete the look, while the upper back is adorned with the official Schleswig-Holstein coat of arms placed above bold red Holstein Kiel text.
Produced with Puma's RE:FIBRE recycled fabric technology, the jersey features long-standing partner famila across the chest. The Holstein Kiel 26-27 special kit is available immediately through the club's official online store, retailing at €85.