Spain’s La Liga “concerned” over impending gambling sponsorship ban
Top-flight clubs continue to partner with gambling firms as league seals M88 deal in face of potential blackout
A La Liga executive has admitted that Spanish football’s top league is “concerned” over the government’s proposed ban on gambling sponsorship in sport.
Óscar Mayo, La Liga director of business, marketing and international development, made the admission earlier today during the unveiling of La Liga’s new partnership with sportsbook operator M88.
The four-year, Asia-facing deal flies in the face of Consumer Affairs Minister Alberto Garzón’s plans to implement a gambling sponsorship blackout in sport, which he had hoped would come into effect by October.
Several La Liga clubs, including Cádiz CF and Real Betis, have inked new principal sponsorship deals with gambling firms ahead of the new season, which led to Garzón branding them as “reckless”.
The Royal Decree includes a ban on all shirt sponsorship, as well as maintaining the ‘horario de madrugada’ window of 1am to 5am for advertising across television, radio and online, leaving operators with slim pickings for their marketing efforts.
The decree also prohibits clubs from handing stadium or training ground naming rights to gambling operators.
Mayo said that the proposals did worry the league and pointed towards the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic as a reason to put a hold on any potential ban.
Mayo said: “We are concerned, but we understand and respect [the ban]. We talked to the government on when would be the best time. We think it is a complicated year for clubs on a financial level.
“We are talking with the government to do it in the best possible way and understanding why they want to implement regulation,” he added.