A row has broken out between Perth and Kinross Council and St Johnstone Football Club over shirt sponsorship.
Last season the club’s first team strips were sponsored by Invest in Perth, an arm of the council which aims to promote the city to businesses.
However this season the club is looking for a new sponsor, claiming Invest in Perth has missed an opportunity to continue the relationship.
However Perth and Kinross Council has accused the Premiership club on “misrepresenting the situation” and said Invest in Perth was not approached for a new deal.
Writing in the St Johnstone season ticket information book for the coming season, St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown said: “We will shortly announce a new front of jersey sponsor for the 2016/17 season and I am delighted to say that it will be another local company who will be involved in this prestigious opportunity.
“I have to say that we as a club have been left very disappointed with our partnership with Invest in Perth as we had hoped that we could have had a long-term relationship to jointly promote our wonderful city and county but unfortunately this has not proven to be the case.
“With the high profile exposure the club enjoys through the media, I see this as a huge opportunity missed by Invest in Perth.”
A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We are extremely disappointed with the approach taken by St Johnstone Football Club and its chairman Steve Brown in writing to all season ticket holders misrepresenting the situation regarding shirt sponsorship with the Invest in Perth team, which has only ever been supportive of the club.
“When St Johnstone Football Club was unable to secure a shirt sponsor the Invest in Perth team stepped in and agreed to a one year sponsorship deal. In addition to the one year deal, the team has also agreed to an additional £21,000 worth of advertising and sponsorship opportunities since 2014.
“The Invest in Perth team were not approached this year with a request to take up the shirt sponsorship again.
“We remain supportive of the football club, but we can only consider providing support if we are asked to do so. Invest in Perth will consider any future sponsorship opportunities that become available, but should be treated with the respect they deserve in order for a positive relationship to continue.”
Mr Brown was unavailable for further comment.
