Antwerp Youngster Ilenikhena Wears 'Wrong' Shirt Scoring Historic Barcelona Goal - Here's Why
Dec 15, 2023, by Pat
- Historic Goal: George Ilenikhena scored the winning goal against Barcelona, becoming the youngest French goal scorer in Champions League history.
- 'Wrong' Shirt: Ilenikhena wore a shirt with 'Antwerp First' instead of the usual 'Bet First' sponsor.
- Gambling Ad Ban: A new law bans gambling advertising to vulnerable groups, requiring Antwerp's under-18 players to wear the 'Antwerp First' jerseys.
Antwerp yougster George Ilenikhena, who joined the club from Amiens in the summer, scored the winning goal against Barcelona on Wednesday. At 17 years, 3 months, and 28 days, he became the youngest French goal scorer in Champions League history.
He did so wearing a shirt with the 'wrong' sponsor, displaying 'Antwerp First' on the front of his rather than 'Bet First'. Antwerp have been alternating both versions of the shirt this season and did, for example, all wear the Antwerp First variant away to Barcelona, which can be explained by the ban of betting sponsors in Spain.
But at home, including against Barcelona, the majority of players did wear the proper shirt including the betting sponsor. But why did Ilenikhena not do so?
It turns out that Ilenikhena's jersey choice was not a mistake and instead is the consequence of a new law that went into effect earlier this year.
Effective July 1, 2023, advertising on TV, radio, classifieds, and video platforms is prohibited. Subsequently, from January 1, 2025, gambling advertising will be banned in football stadiums, allowing shirt sponsorship with sponsor logos only, without slogans and not on the front. The final phase, starting January 1, 2028, enforces a total ban on gambling advertising, including on shirts.
A key component of the bill is a ban of advertising to vulnerable groups which includes minors. Due to this, Ilenikhena and other Antwerp under-18s have been wearing the 'Antwerp First' jerseys all season, including in domestic competitions.
Are you in favor of banning betting sponsors? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Aston Villa 26-27 Third Kit On Sale Early in Adidas Store
Aston Villa's 26-27 third kit has gone on sale early at an official Adidas store in Tenerife ahead of its official launch.
Photos shared by supporter @squirrelvilla confirmed that the complete strip was available to buy in Playa De Las Americas, giving fans an early look at the new shirt and matching shorts in hand.
The Adidas Aston Villa 26-27 third shirt features a light icy blue base covered in an elaborate, repeating swirl pattern across the front and sleeves. Claret detailing highlights the crew neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and signature Three Stripes, while both the centered Adidas logo and Aston Villa crest sit prominently on the chest. The version bought in store was sold without a main front sponsor.
