Netherlands: KNVB refuses to allow sex toy brand to be main shirt sponsor of FC Emmen (Eredivisie)

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has prohibited the sponsorship agreement between FC Emmen (Eredivisie) and EasyToys, a local brand of sex toys, on the grounds that "football is and should be accessible to the young and old," announced the club and the body on 16/09/2020. EasyToys was to be the main shirt sponsor of FC Emmen, for an estimated €50,000 in 2020-21.

"During a meeting with the KNVB, a temporary pragmatic solution was discussed with a view to a definitive solution in December this year. We are still awaiting a discussion report confirming the proposals and commitments made. We will discuss this internally and then with our shirt sponsor EasyToys. If this does not provide sufficient leads, we will keep the route of the legal proceedings open," explained FC Emmen on 22/09/2020.

While the club is not allowed to display its new partner during Eredivise matches and will be wearing a sponsorless shirt instead, it has been selling them on its online shop since 18/09/2020. "The shirt with EasyToys on the chest is very popular! More than 1200 copies have already been…