As somewhat expected, Cape Town City have experienced a sponsorship setback following the club's s relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of last season.
FNB's withdrawal of their sponsorship of the Citizens was anticipated due to a clause in the contract between the two parties, which allowed for the withdrawal if the team faced relegation.
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This decision comes as a massive blow for the Mother City outfit, particularly as they will need financial support in the second tier, where the funding is considerably less than in the big league.
Sources indicate that FNB has opted to pull out of the new three-year contract, which was renewed last season and reportedly worth R60 million, starting in 2025/26.
In 2022, the club fought hard to keep FNB's logo on the front of their jerseys when the PSL suggested it be removed, claiming the sponsorship conflicted with one of their own sponsors, Nedbank, who sponsor the Nedbank Cup.
A court order ultimately mandated that the League accept the FNB sponsorship.
Unfortunately, it has become a common trend for companies to withdraw their support when challenges arise. The latest developments will no doubt severely impact the club owned by John Comitis, as they were only informed last week about FNB's decision to back out.
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It is believed FNB will now concentrate its sponsorship efforts on rugby and school football.
In their season opener on Saturday, City drew 0-0 at home against Venda Football Club.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
