Sonny Williams, Muslim Legend refuses to wear shirt with betting firm logo

Sonny Bill Williams, a Muslim convert Rugby Star New Zealand has hit headlines again proving his commitment and dedication to Islam as he refused to wear Super League kit with a logo that a betting firm sponsored.

34-year-old Sonny Williams, who quit New Zealand rugby after the World Cup in Japan, signed a $10 million two-year contract with Canada-based British Super League club Toronto Wolfpack back in November 2019.

British betting company Betfred sponsored  Toronto Wolfpack.

Williams refused to wear Betfred’s logo because gambling and betting are forbidden in Islam.

As well other practices such as eating pork or drinking alcohol.

“As I learn more and develop a better understanding of my faith I am no longer comfortable doing things I used to do.”

“So while a logo on a jersey might seem like a small thing to some people,”

“Its important to me that I do the right thing with regards to my faith and hope people respect that.” Williams said.

Toronto chairman Bob Hunter and the rest of the team supported his decision.

“I think Betfred will benefit by taking the position that we respect and honor the player’s religious beliefs,” Hunter told the UK Telegraph.

“In today’s society there some very sensitive issues but I think the sponsor can say ‘yes, okay, we understand this.

Hes a big brand and big name but we get it’,” he added.

Williams shown his religious sensitivity before by covering up the Bank of New Zealand logo on his Auckland Blues kit shirt with permission of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

“My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption,” Williams said at the time.

It remains to be seen whether the Club will allow him a custom Toronto Wolfpack kit without the Betfred logo or cover up the logo himself.

Williams, who converted to Islam in 2009, has recently topped the agenda by speaking out on social issues, including racism and equality, as well as criticizing China’s crackdown on the Muslim Uighur minority.