00:00Liverpool supporters group Cop Outs have urged the club to terminate its new sponsorship
00:07deal with Visit Maldives due to concerns over human rights in the country.
00:13The Reds announced the multi-year deal last week, naming Visit Maldives as the club's
00:19official tourism partner.
00:21However, the agreement has sparked backlash from LGBT Plus fan group Cop Outs, who released
00:28a strongly worded statement expressing profound anger and disappointment.
00:36Cop Outs are calling on Liverpool to engage in meaningful discussions with them and other
00:41fan groups to address their concerns.
00:44They also want the club to publicly reaffirm its commitment to LGBT Plus rights and broader
00:51human rights.
00:53Visit Maldives is operated by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation,
00:59a state-owned enterprise.
01:02Cop Outs claim Liverpool are effectively partnering with the Maldivian government and thereby
01:08aligning themselves with their views and laws, labelling the deal an example of sports washing.
01:18Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the official opening of Everton's new stadium,
01:23with a second test event scheduled for this weekend.
01:28Around 25,000 fans are expected at an under-21 friendly match on Sunday, part of the testing
01:34process for the 52,888-capacity stadium at Browning Moor Dock.
01:41Following discussions with fan groups and Everton FC representatives, transport officials
01:46have announced additional services across rail, bus and ferry networks to accommodate
01:52match-goers.
01:53Additionally, a special 5pm ferry service will operate from Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal
02:00at Liverpool Pier Head to Seacombe, providing another transport option for match-goers.
02:06If widely used, this service could become a permanent fixture for future events at the
02:12stadium.
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