Subbuteo has announced an entirely new range of teams are set to go on sale – but UK customers will not be able to buy them.
The new owners of the license, Hong Kong-based company Longshore, has announced four new teams will be released by Subbuteo. It is the first time in several years new Subbuteo teams have been released but the launch will leave UK fans disappointed.
In a video posted to Subbuteo social media channels last week, Subbuteo showed four new teams laid out on an un-ironed Subbuteo pitch. The low production value video seemed to show red and white, blue and black, green, and black and white teams in new-look boxes.
However, when quizzed on where the teams would actually be on sale Subbuteo confirmed it would be through Italian site called Giochi Preziosi.
For UK fans it means extravagant shipping fees from Italy due to Brexit restrictions, all but confirming Subbuteo is no longer looking to release teams for UK players.
The disappointing launch of the four new teams, which are similar in style to the unpopular Paul Lamond teams and feature rubbery, cartoon-like figures, comes after two new accessories launches for the new license holders in recent weeks.
The new Subbuteo VAR set was made available to UK buyers, as were new modern fence sets, via Amazon after they were launched with a number of cryptic tweets posted on a Saturday evening.
The news has led to criticism of the new license holders, with one reply stating: “Was this Ad filmed on a bedroom floor? Shakey camera, pitch just strewn, and boards used as a background. Please someone remember when you had class, original ideas and something that actually made you stop and look.”
Another said: “You need to make a decision here. If you are going to market and advertise the “new” Subbuteo, do it properly, and that does mean paying attention to detail. Attention to detail is what made this brand legendary so don’t you forget it.”
The backlash to the posts showcasing the new teams did generate a short response from the brand, which said: “Thank you for your feedback and please be assured that we are trying to cover all aspects of marketing in the current lockdown situation. We appreciate your support and hope you are keeping safe. Thanks.”
