Latest news with #VisitMaldives
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Liverpool supporters group call for termination of new multi-year deal - 'We are livid'
There's been substantial backlash from Liverpool supporters group Kop Outs over the club's newly inked sponsorship deal with Visit Maldives, in light of the country's human rights record. The Reds' announcement of a multi-year partnership with Visit Maldives as their official tourism partner last Thursday didn't sit well. Kop Outs voiced their "profound anger and disappointment" in a visceral statement about the deal they view as a blatant contradiction to Liverpool FC's vaunted stance on equality and inclusion. The group has issued a call to the club for engaging dialogue with their representatives and additional fan cohorts to talk through the issue and solidify the Reds' public assurance towards upholding LGBT+ and broader human rights principles. Paul Amann, the chairperson of Kop Outs, conveyed his disbelief: "We are livid that after celebrating LGBT+ History Month and five years of Red Together, LFC has chosen to side with an oppressor of human rights. READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news as Reds' Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah plan emerges READ MORE: 'I'm really disappointed in Trent Alexander-Arnold - he's no Steven Gerrard' "LFC must reverse this, or lose not only all credibility on human rights, but also any chance of retaining its much-cherished Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS) Advanced Level." Kop Outs argue that Liverpool "are effectively partnering with the Maldivian government and thereby aligning themselves with their views and laws", citing it as an instance of "sportswashing". The Kop Outs' statement further read: "Maldives' treatment of LGBT+ individuals is deeply concerning. Same-sex relations are criminalized, and LGBT+ people face systemic discrimination and persecution, imprisonment, fines and even lashings. This sponsorship effectively endorses a regime that actively violates the fundamental human rights of its citizens. "There are deeply concerning reports detailing the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Maldives. These demonstrate how the Maldivian government have failed to prevent a resurgence of the practice. "The LFC Foundation has a detailed safeguarding policy that references FGM, yet this deal with Visit Maldives may leave Liverpool FC complicit with a state that fails to protect women and girls from this harmful practice." Finally, they concluded: "Liverpool FC, a club with a rich history of social justice and a global fanbase that includes countless LGBT+ supporters, should not be associated with such a regime. This partnership tarnishes the club's reputation and undermines its commitment to 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'". "We, Kop Outs, will not stand by while our club profits from a partnership that supports oppression. We urge all Liverpool fans and human rights advocates to stand with us in condemning this decision."
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Liverpool FC welcomes Visit Maldives to its global partnership portfolio
LIVERPOOL, UK - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 March 2025 - Liverpool FC has agreed a multi-year global partnership with Visit Maldives, making it the club's official tourist destination partner. The partnership, which is inclusive of both the club's men's and women's teams, will drive awareness of the Maldives as a world-class tourist destination, while demonstrating the breadth of activities, heritage and stunning locations the island country has to offer. It unites two world-renowned brands with a shared commitment to offering extraordinary experiences, whether that's for fans at Anfield or for those enjoying the sunny side of life in the Maldives, the world's leading destination for the past five consecutive years. To celebrate the launch of the partnership, fans will have the chance to win an incredible five-night trip to the Maldives, including flights and accommodation, through an exciting MyLFC competition. For details on how to enter, please visit here. And throughout the partnership, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive content, special promotions, and competitions with money-can't-buy prizes. Following a record-breaking year for the Maldives' Tourism Industry in 2024, Visit Maldives set an ambitious target of $5 billion in tourism receipts for 2025. It will increase its awareness and visibility via Liverpool FC's growing social media platforms, which have over 200million global followers, and registered almost 12billion views and 1.5billion fan engagements last season alone, the most of any Premier League club. LFC is also the most-watched team globally in the Premier League, with a cumulative audience of 471 million last season, and has continued this trend for the current season. Alongside raising awareness as a destination of choice Visit Maldives is dedicated to protecting its unique environment, with a strong emphasis on ocean conservation and sustainable tourism – critical issues for the low-lying island nation, which is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate change. Through this partnership, Liverpool FC will collaborate with Visit Maldives to support these initiatives, leveraging the club's award-winning sustainability programme, The Red Way, to raise awareness and drive positive action. Ben Latty Chief Commercial Officer at Liverpool FC, said: "We're very excited to welcome Visit Maldives into the Liverpool FC family as our official tourist destination partner. Together we share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways. "We also share a commitment for being the most sustainable we can be, whether that's via our award-winning The Red Way programme or Visit Maldives raising concerns about preserving delicate underwater ecosystems. We look forward to supporting each other in these vitally important areas moving forward." Mr Ibrahim Shiuree, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Visit Maldives, added: "Partnering with a club as iconic as Liverpool FC, who share our core values to drive positive change towards a more sustainable future, is a proud moment for Visit Maldives. Together, we'll be able to offer exclusive opportunities and experiences, bringing the magic of the Maldives to millions of passionate fans around the world. We're particularly thrilled about the MyLFC competition and the chance to give one lucky fan the trip of a lifetime in the Sunny Side of Life." Hashtag: #LiverpoolFC The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Liverpool Football Club
