Kop Outs, a Liverpool supporters group, is urging the club to cancel its sponsorship deal with Visit Maldives due to human rights concerns. They argue the deal contradicts the club’s commitment to equality.
Meanwhile, Everton’s new stadium prepares for it’s second test event on March 23, with transport services adjusted to manage the expected crowd.
Meanwhile, Everton’s new stadium prepares for it’s second test event on March 23, with transport services adjusted to manage the expected crowd.
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00:00Liverpool supporters group Cop Outs have urged the club to terminate its new sponsorship
00:07deal with Visit Maldives due to concerns over human rights in the country.
00:13The Reds announced the multi-year deal last week, naming Visit Maldives as the club's
00:19official tourism partner.
00:21However, the agreement has sparked backlash from LGBT Plus fan group Cop Outs, who released
00:28a strongly worded statement expressing profound anger and disappointment.
00:36Cop Outs are calling on Liverpool to engage in meaningful discussions with them and other
00:41fan groups to address their concerns.
00:44They also want the club to publicly reaffirm its commitment to LGBT Plus rights and broader
00:51human rights.
00:53Visit Maldives is operated by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation,
00:59a state-owned enterprise.
01:02Cop Outs claim Liverpool are effectively partnering with the Maldivian government and thereby
01:08aligning themselves with their views and laws, labelling the deal an example of sports washing.
01:18Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the official opening of Everton's new stadium,
01:23with a second test event scheduled for this weekend.
01:28Around 25,000 fans are expected at an under-21 friendly match on Sunday, part of the testing
01:34process for the 52,888-capacity stadium at Browning Moor Dock.
01:41Following discussions with fan groups and Everton FC representatives, transport officials
01:46have announced additional services across rail, bus and ferry networks to accommodate
01:52match-goers.
01:53Additionally, a special 5pm ferry service will operate from Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal
02:00at Liverpool Pier Head to Seacombe, providing another transport option for match-goers.
02:06If widely used, this service could become a permanent fixture for future events at the
02:12stadium.