Football clubs pressure the government so that the future royal decree that will prohibit them from advertising betting houses has a transition period and gives them time to adapt their economies to the requirements of the legal text, as EL MAIL has learned. The League has summoned its 42 First and Second Division associates on Monday to analyze the strategy that will continue from now on in the open conflict with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
The department chaired by Alberto Garzón prepares a Royal Decree on Commercial Communications of Gaming Activities that puts an end to the announcements of bookmakers during sports broadcasts, their logos on the shirts and sponsorship of teams and stadiums. For the clubs it is a devastating blow.
Ten entities (Valencia, Leganés, Alavés, Levante, Osasuna, Seville, Mallorca, Granada, in First, and Sporting and Girona, in Second) of the 42 professional soccer jerseys sport betting advertising and they will be prohibited if the royal decree is approved with the restrictions announced by the Government.
The blow extends to the vast majority of clubs. Except for Real Sociedad, who decided to refuse by means of a vote, all have advertising agreements with these companies. The accounts of the League indicate that the bookmakers contribute 80 million annually to Spanish football.
«Another blow»
“What the government is going to do is a major economic blow. We ask that at least a transitional regime be established that allows us to look for that income elsewhere. What is claimed is that there is no immediate application of the entire article », says the representative of a club.
“Since we have few problems, one more,” he adds sarcastically. Take a look back and remember the economic blows that football has taken in recent times and that forces clubs to tighten their belts and prepare downward budgets for the 2020-21 financial year. The Covid-19 left them without spectators – they do not expect to recover them until January – and with the income from shops, hotels and museums low.. The Viana Pact sponsored by the Government between the Federation and the League takes 50 million a year from their benefits to distribute it among the other sports. The next thing to come is a reduction in television contracts. The League has required the clubs to budget 10% less for this section next season, according to this newspaper.
Soccer leaders want join forces with the leagues of other sports also affected. Nor does the government project like in the ACB, where clubs like Bilbao Basket and Baskonia would be two of the most affected because they have the name of a bookmaker.
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