THE Scottish Football Association has been urged to rethink its “exclusive” deal that gives the high street giant JD Sports the exclusive right to sell replica Scotland kits.
The Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP, Angus MacNeil, has warned that fans in rural areas are struggling to get hold of the shirts.
In a letter to the SFA chief executive, Iain Maxwell, he raised the plight of a constituent who tried to purchase a top in the local sports shop.
The SNP politician’s now calling for independent sports shops to be allowed to sell the kit.
MacNeil said: “Scotland qualifying for Euro 2021 is a fantastic achievement and it is good news that people are interested in buying the Scotland team kit, but I am disappointed to hear that it is not possible to buy Scotland merchandise in independent shops.
“I have written to Iain Maxwell, chief executive of the SFA to clarify why they have given JD Sports exclusive rights to the sale of these goods.
“I know of many Scotland fans in remote areas who would welcome the opportunity to be able to buy official Scotland merchandise in the run up to Christmas and particularly during this period of travel restrictions when people would not wish to or are not allowed to travel to more populous areas where JD Sports shops tend to be located. I have asked Mr Maxwell if allowing independent shops to sell the tops is something the SFA would consider.”
Responding to concerns, an SFA spokesman said: “Scotland supporters are able to purchase official match wear, training wear and Scotland branded gifts from JD’s online retail store as well as one of more than 35 JD stores within Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.
“As the exclusive retail partner of the Scottish FA for the past seven years, JD have made a substantial financial contribution to the Scottish FA, which has in turn benefited the whole of Scottish football with increased investment as a direct result of the partnership.”
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