Tottenham supporters' group 'deeply concerned' over club's new sponsorship deal

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust (THST) have criticised the club's decision to enter a multi-year partnership with rewards and engagement platform Socios.

As part of the deal, Spurs will offer free non-transferable Spurs Fan Tokens to all season ticket holders, providing access to things like polls, predictors, quizzes and competitions on the Socios website, with the opportunity to gain points to unlock rewards and experiences.

Spurs Fan Token will later become available for non-members to buy for $2 (£1.64).

Spurs say the Socios partnership will also fund the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation's Reignite programme, which aims to provide adult employment opportunities and healthy lifestyle support within the local community.

But the THST released a statement shortly after the announcement making clears its "deep concern" about the partnership and how it could enable a "third party provider to monetise fandom".

The supporters’ group said: "The club says One Hotspur members and season ticket holders will be provided with one and five free tokens respectively and the arrangement then encourages fans to enter a cryptocurrency ecosystem of which many fans will have little knowledge but will be encouraged to purchase further tokens to 'win' things.

"The club is trusted by fans and we fear many will end up in a system they do not understand that is designed to monetise their support and love for the club.

"It is important there should be no financial or technological barriers to fan engagement yet this relationship potentially creates both. THST expects the club to safeguard our supporters against financial loss but this partnership seemingly does the opposite by exposing fans to potential losses.

"We shall also be asking the club to confirm that supporters' data will not be shared with any provider without further consultation or consent."

In response, a Socios spokesperson said: "Fan Tokens allow clubs to connect with and reward all their fans regardless of where they live. If we and clubs don’t provide a compelling offer, fans will not want Tokens – that’s why we’re working hard to ensure fans are getting the most out of their Token.

"Token holders have met club legends, played on their club’s pitch, and received VIP tickets. All Spurs members and season ticket holder will be offered a Token for free, so they can benefit from the get-go.”

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