European football governing body UEFA has called for sports to be given a "fair financial return" from the sports betting industry.
The body attended a meeting with 20 representatives of international sport from the Sports Rights Owners Coalition and European decision-makers held in Brussels. Those attending called for stronger protection for the integrity of sport and for a fair financial return from sports betting to be included in a European Parliament report on the online gambling industry by Christel Schaldemose MEP.
“Online sports betting is a phenomenon which has exploded across the EU in the last five years, with the rapid growth of multiple new betting products and the possibility to bet on losing outcomes,” said UEFA in a statement.
“The increase in irregular betting activities represents a major cross-border threat for sports bodies, public authorities and for the European consumer.”
The sports organisations suggested that a clear ‘competition organiser’s right’ would be a positive development for sport.
“As sports competition organisers own the right to their events, legislative initiatives should confirm that commercial exploitation through sports betting can only be undertaken with their consent and with a fair financial return to the sports movement for reinvestment in sports development initiatives,” stated UEFA.
