Football Club Owners Allowed to Bet on Matches, Players Banned: A Double Standard?

The story broke in late September, shedding light on the apparent double standards within the Football Association (FA). The controversy was ignited when the FA took disciplinary action against Ivan Toney, a Brentford player diagnosed with a gambling addiction. Ironically, Matthew Benham, the owner of Brentford FC, was revealed as one of the gamblers. This situation has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as club owners hold significant sway over team decisions. 

The FA's lack of transparency in outlining the terms of the deal for club owners has fueled criticism. The gambling industry's involvement in football ownership is not disputed, but it remains unclear why special privileges for betting are granted. The existing rule is straightforward: no one involved in the game should bet on any football match worldwide. The question arises: why create special exemptions when the simplest solution is to refrain from betting on the sport?

This issue extends beyond the UK, prompting us to ponder why sports governing bodies worldwide struggle to handle gambling-related matters effectively. In the United States, the relatively new emergence of sports betting provides some justification for shortcomings, but the UK's long history in the field leaves little room for excuses.

Effective rules should be established before issues arise, placing the responsibility on athletes to behave responsibly. Providing education and support is crucial, ensuring everyone is aligned with the guidelines. Should governing bodies falter in this regard, their punishments lose meaning, and they must reevaluate their own practices before penalizing players.

The National Football League (NFL) in the United States serves as an example of an organization adapting to the times. They have modified rules surrounding player gambling this year. Penalties for betting on non-NFL games have been reduced for a first offense, while betting on NFL games now incurs harsher penalties. This change reflects the NFL's commitment to upholding the sport's integrity in a growing sports betting landscape.

The sports betting industry has an essential role in curbing criticism. By sharing expertise and knowledge, it can help governing bodies navigate these challenges effectively. Collaboration between international operators and sports governing bodies can maintain the sport's integrity while safeguarding the welfare of players and young athletes.