![the senegal striker told newcastle united officials he was not prepared to promote the club s shirt sponsor wonga a firm which offers short term high interest loans photo afp the senegal striker told newcastle united officials he was not prepared to promote the club s shirt sponsor wonga a firm which offers short term high interest loans photo afp](https://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/578702-cisseafp-1374168294.jpg)
The Senegal striker told Newcastle United officials he was not prepared to promote the club’s shirt sponsor Wonga, a firm which offers short-term, high-interest loans.
However, the 28-year-old did offer to wear an unbranded shirt or one bearing a charity logo instead.
Other sports teams have made concessions to the faith of their Muslim players, with South Africa cricketer Hashim Amla allowed to wear shirts without the logo of team sponsor Castle Lager because of the Islamic prohibition on drinking alcohol.
The BBC quoted sources as saying Cisse’s refusal to wear the sponsored shirt had left him in a ‘strained’ relationship with the Premier League side.
Cisse’s Newcastle teammates Cheick Tiote and Moussa Sissoko are also Muslims, but have told the club they have no issue with wearing the sponsor’s logo.
Speaking in June, PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes told BBC Sport, “We’re all aware that clubs need to generate revenue and sometimes have to use a wide range of companies.
“However, if someone feels very, very strongly that it’s not compatible with their faith and beliefs, then some sort of solution should be found.”
Cisse joined the Magpies in January 2012 and has scored 26 times in all competitions.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2013.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS (4)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Why he bothered to play football? I mean should have become a preacher somewhere or should have stuck to play football in his country.
Nice ad for Wonga.
Mumbai Indians, sponsored by Bills Angus Steak house