São Paulo council backs betting advertising curbs at first vote | OneFootball

São Paulo city councillors approved at the first vote a bill to curb betting advertising in the capital, passing it on Wednesday in a symbolic ballot with no dissent.

According to Globo.com, the measure still requires a second vote and no date has been set for its return to the chamber floor.

Proposed by councillor João Jorge of the MDB, the draft would bar betting-operator advertising at events organised by public or private entities, amateur or professional, held in the municipality, in public or private spaces. It would apply at a minimum to boards, banners and panels at sports venues.

Sanctions would range from a R$ 50,000 fine to a two-year ban on staging events.

The prospect of the bill becoming law has alarmed clubs and the Paulista Football Federation, who have mobilised in opposition. Corinthians, Palmeiras, Santos, São Paulo and Juventus met at federation headquarters last week with representatives of betting firms linked to the teams and state tournaments.

Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo, the city’s three biggest clubs, generate about R$ 350 million per year from sponsorships. The current reading is that shirt advertising would not be prohibited, although tougher wording is being discussed. Clubs fear losing access to a market that invests most in professional football, which could create a revenue imbalance against rivals from other states.

Source: Globo.com

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