Fury as FA Cup rights are sold to betting firm Bet365 which lets fans watch free if they open account - despite links between gambling and depression and FA president Prince William's psychological state campaign
The six-year deal allows Bet365 to point out matches on its website and mobile app
To watch the action on Bet365's site, fans had to put a wager before kick-off
Comes despite a psychological state campaign led by FA's president Prince William
The Football Association faced fury last night over the sale of FA Cup rights to a betting firm.
The six-year deal allows Bet365 to point out matches on its website and mobile app. It meant most of last weekend's 32 ties were broadcast on Bet365, while only two were on free-to-air TV.
To watch the action on Bet365's site, fans had to put a wager before kick-off or open an account with a £5 deposit. odds accompanied the live footage, tempting viewers to put a stake.
The close links between the administration and betting firms make a mockery of the very fact all the kick-offs were delayed by one symbolic minute to publicise a psychological state campaign backed by Prince William, the FA's president. Gambling addiction has repeatedly been blamed for fuelling psychological state problems.
To watch the action on Bet365's site, fans had to put a wager before kick-off or open an account with a £5 deposit
All the kick-offs were delayed by one symbolic minute to publicise a psychological state campaign backed by Prince William, the FA's president
Three years ago the FA indicated it wanted to distance itself from the gambling industry by ending its £4million-a-year sponsorship from Ladbrokes. However, the agreement with Bet365 is thanks to run until 2024.
The psychological state director of the NHS said the rights deal was an 'own goal' and an MP accused the body of 'making money off misery'.
Three years ago the FA indicated it wanted to distance itself from the gambling industry by ending its £4million-a-year sponsorship from Ladbrokes. However, the agreement with Bet365 is thanks to run until 2024.
The psychological state director of the NHS said the rights deal was an 'own goal' and an MP accused the body of 'making money off misery'.
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