The whole idea of sponsorship is to advertise the sponsor’s product, but that doesn’t matter. The principle is always and everywhere the same: in Muslim countries, one must conform one’s behavior to suit Islamic sensibilities. And in non-Muslim countries, one must conform one’s behavior to suit Islamic sensibilities.
“Sonny Bill Williams REFUSES to wear the Super League sponsor’s logo due to his Muslim beliefs – despite making $10million to play,” by Shive Prema, Daily Mail Australia, January 22, 2020:
Sonny Bill Williams has refused to wear his Super League sponsor’s logo due to his Muslim beliefs.
The 34-year-old rugby league player signed a $10million, two-year contract with Canadian team the Toronto Wolfpack in November 2019.
The Wolfpack play with English and French teams in the Betfred Super League, which is chiefly sponsored by British betting company Betfred.
However, gambling is considered haram in Islam, meaning that is forbidden in addition to other practices such as eating pork or drinking alcohol.
Toronto chairman Bob Hunter told the UK Telegraph on Wednesday that the club supports his decision.
‘I think Betfred will benefit by taking the position that we respect and honour the player’s religious beliefs,’ he told the publication.
‘In today’s society there are some very sensitive issues but I think the sponsor can say ‘yes, okay, we understand this. He’s a big brand and big name but we get it’.’
Since 2017, the betting company has sponsored the league, which was renamed to the Betfred Super League as a result.
The Betfred logo appears on the right sleeve of the Toronto Wolfpack jersey, as well as all other Super League teams and on match balls.
In 2017, Williams covered up the Bank of New Zealand logo on his Auckland Blues kit shirt with permission from the New Zealand Rugby Union.
‘My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption,’ Williams said at the time.
‘As I learn more and develop a better understanding of my faith I am no longer comfortable doing things I used to do. So while a logo on a jersey might seem like a small thing to some people, it is important to me that I do the right thing with regards to my faith and hope people respect that.’…