Unai Emery’s team is set to face AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands tonight. In an interesting twist, the Villans have opted to don their blue geometric third kit for this match and have also made a change to their shirt sponsor.

Rather than featuring the usual and somewhat controversial BK8 logo, the kit now proudly displays the Aston Villa Foundation emblem along with its symbolic light motif.

This foundation, established in 1990 and officially registered as a charity in 2013, currently employs 80 individuals to oversee 40 diverse projects and provide assistance to numerous individuals in Birmingham.

This alteration garnered a tremendously positive response on social media when the club shared a photo from the changing room at the AFAS Stadium.

Fans inundated the comments section with expressions of admiration. One supporter remarked, “Love that.” while another requested, “Please put this on sale.”

A third fan suggested, “Keep this sponsor for the rest of the season.” and a fourth proposed, “Sell a limited edition batch of these to raise money for the foundation.”

Another commenter noted, “I was all against playing in the third strip, but that sponsor is a fantastic touch.” Yet another fan inquired, “Can I buy it with this sponsor please?!”

Finally, one user voiced, “That’s the sort of sponsor we should be having on our kit instead of these betting companies that you promote!”

Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the actual reason behind the temporary alteration in shirt sponsorship is due to European betting regulations. The club is expected to revert to its regular sponsorship for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Luton.

In a previous Group E match against Legia Warsaw in September, Villa wore their less-favoured ‘wet-look’ home kit with a plain front.

The club’s recently signed three-year contract with the online casino BK8 received widespread criticism from fans over the summer.

Norwich City had terminated their partnership with the Asian betting company after just three days in 2021, following complaints about sexualized marketing involving young women.

The Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust expressed their disapproval, characterizing it as a “cynical attempt” to prioritize financial gain over fan concerns. The Premier League is set to prohibit front-of-shirt gambling sponsors by the end of the 2025-26 season.