The most recent betting ban in Ireland forbids Irish League players to place wagers on any football played globally. Meanwhile, Stephen McGuinness, PFA Ireland boss, prompted former internationals to be a great example and stop their collaborations with betting companies.
Until the implementation of the latest ban, Irish footballers were simply not allowed to place bets on matches and competitions they were participating in. However, they are no longer allowed to make bets on any type of football event worldwide.
Irish Footballers Not Able to Bet on Any Football in Upcoming Football Season
Following the new FIFA regulation, there were updates to standard player contracts as the new global betting ban will come into effect during the upcoming 2023 Lеague of Ireland season. According to McGuiness, the new set of rules, which follows the example of England’s restrictions, will give Irish players a lot of food for thought.
McGuiness showed his support for the ban, sharing his opinion of no need for grey areas when it comes to the betting restrictions in PFA Ireland. According to him, the new rule which was introduced at the beginning of December is rather simple, restricting all League of Ireland players to place any football-related bets, no matter where the match is played.
PFA Ireland chief ensured that all Irish clubs will be visited before the new season starts, explaining the new gambling ban on players who may have not heard of the new set of restrictions. McGuiness shared that he had many cases of players calling him to ask whether they were allowed to bet on certain Champions League matches, with his answer often being ‘no’ as they were involved in the games during early rounds.
McGuiness confirmed that all Irish clubs must be warned about the new ban as players will have to abide by even stricter regulations, with no football bets allowed anymore. In the case of a player found out to have been placing bets on global football events, he will go through an FAI probe and could even face disciplinary actions.
McGuiness Urges Former Internationals to Give Up Future Gambling Sponsorship Deals
After a two-year contract with the gambling brand 888 expired, Shamrock Rovers decided not to renew its sponsorship deal with the betting company. That leaves Dundalk the only football club with a gambling sponsorship deal going into the new 2023 season.
Taking into consideration his long experience as the head of the player’s union, McGuiness shared that gambling remains a huge problem in Irish football. He added that he had witnessed many of his teammates, people he had played against, as well as many people he is currently representing, suffering severe damage from gambling.
McGuiness is blaming gambling companies for forcing the idea that a football game cannot be enjoyed unless there is a bet on its outcome. The PFA chief shared his beliefs that football betting has become a cultural thing, which he thinks has a terrible effect on the sport.
The boss of PFA Ireland also shared his disappointment in former internationals who are making brand deals with betting companies. McGuinness called on high-profile players and former internationals to “lead by example” and make a living in ways different from promoting betting companies.
- Author
Daniel Williams
