The Football Association has terminated its £4million-per-year sponsorship agreement with Ladbrokes with immediate effect, just 12 months into a four-year contract. The decision follows a review of the FA's relationship with betting companies, as it seeks to avoid conflicts of interest while enforcing a crackdown on gambling within the sport.
The move comes after Joey Barton, who was banned from football for 18 months for placing 1,260 bets over 12 years, criticised the FA's reliance on gambling industry funding. The FA conducted a three-month review and concluded that its commercial ties with bookmakers were incompatible with its regulatory role.
Despite ending the sponsorship, the FA confirmed it will continue to collaborate with Ladbrokes and other betting firms on sharing information about suspicious betting patterns. Chief executive Martin Glenn thanked Ladbrokes for their professionalism and understanding regarding the policy change.
Ladbrokes Coral CEO Jim Mullen expressed understanding of the FA's decision, emphasising the company's commitment to maintaining the integrity of football. The termination marks a significant shift in the FA's approach to gambling partnerships.
