Brazil’s clubs are proving reluctant to give up their betting sponsors despite the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) saying it will enforce a ban on club sponsorship by bookmakers across all levels of Brazilian football who do not hold state betting licenses.

Corinthians, who have a deal with Esportes da Sorte, are refusing to drop their sponsorship despite the bookmaker not holding a licence in the state of São Paulo.

Esportes da Sorte does have a registration in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where it holds a five-year licence with the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (LOTERJ).

Until recently that lottery license enabled bookmakers to operate in other states. However, this has been the subject of legal dispute with LOTERJ obtaining an injunction enabling firms to continue operating nationally under its licences, before that decision was suspended in a federal court on October 5.

Corinthians argue that the club “is authorised to continue displaying the Esportes da Sorte brand, according to the current contract, which continues to be fully complied with by the parties”, and is not backing down.

For the moment the CBF has now granted an exception for companies licensed by LOTERJ. Though with the federal government eager for cash and taxes from better regulated gambling market, they may be pressured to change position on this again.

Brazil set to launch nationwide regulation of its gaming market in January 2024

FIFA have signed Chinese computer giant Lenovo as a global sponsor for the next two World Cups, the men’s 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, both of which will be played in the Americas.

Lenovo will be designated FIFA’s Official Technology Partner.

The sponsorship was unveiled on stage at Lenovo’s annual Tech World innovation event in Seattle, USA, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino present. It marks the first deal between Lenovo and FIFA.

Lenovo’s products and services will be integrated into the 2026 and 2027 tournaments with the aim that that their technology will power “mproved fan experiences in stadiums and global broadcasts, power enhanced analytics, and democratise data across all global football-playing nations”.

The tech company is set to benefit from huge exposure at both tournaments. The Qatar World Cup in 2022 welcomed almost 3.5 million spectators, whilst the Women’s World Cup garnered an overall attendance of 1.9 million – a figure that can be expected to grow as Women’s football continues to develop.

Lenovo chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang said: “As one of the world’s leading technology companies, we’re delighted to partner with the world’s most global and popular sport. Lenovo will be powering the largest sporting and entertainment events in human history – events with more viewers, more nations participating, and an unprecedented global demand for data processing and technology.

“Lenovo is proud to support FIFA’s vision of leveraging technology to elevate the game, enhance the fan experience worldwide, and foster innovation that levels the playing field. We’re excited that our cutting-edge technology and AI innovation will take centre stage in the upcoming tournaments, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of smarter technology.”

No value was given for the deal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible for all – and we are excited to welcome Lenovo to our journey, and to work with them to implement technologies, innovations and programmes that spread our sport. Data and technology combined helps us to know fans better, and we will use it to create unparalleled and unforgettable fan experiences at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

“In Lenovo, we have a partner who will support us as we evolve and innovate, investing in digital technology and artificial intelligence for future generations.”

Germany-based bookmaker Interwetten, a partner of the DFB, has stopped offering betting markets for all amateur matches in the country.

The decision was taken after news last month that police in Germany confirmed they are investigating potential betting related match-fixing in 17 lower-league matches.

Matches being investigated were from Germany’s professional third division (3. Liga), semi-professional fourth tier (Regionalliga) and amateur fifth tier (Oberliga). Authorities said they are looking into suspicious refereeing decisions and unusual behaviour from goalkeepers and defenders.

As well as pulling betting markets from the men’s and women’s amateur game (both on their domestic and international platforms), Interwetten have tightened their betting registration rules.

German-based customers can no longer register for its international platform, and international gamblers cannot register on the German platform.

“We very much welcome this decision by Interwetten,” says Dr. Holger Blask, CEO of DFB GmbH & Co. KG.

“This shows the partner’s sense of responsibility. We are both convinced that a controlled sports betting market with licensed sports betting providers ensures proper game play and thus the integrity of sporting competition, as well as best taking player protection into account.”