MPs Vigorously Debate FIFA’s World Cup Partnership During DCMS Hearing

A debate over FIFA’s landmark World Cup partnership with Stats Perform was brought to the attention of the UK Parliament last week during a hearing presided over by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

Questions were fielded on the subject of FIFA’s collaboration with Stats Perform, where the latter will distribute data to betting operators and stream matches through bookmakers.

Stats Perform positions itself as a disruptor in the world of football data collection, and they are highly rated. However, serious questions were levelled at FIFA, a global football body that has been no stranger to controversy.

Gambling advertising brought into sharp focus

Stats Perform’s deal with FIFA will see them granted exclusive rights for publishing data and hosting live streams for this summer’s World Cup and the women’s World Cup next summer.

However, the notion of gambling advertising was brought into sharp focus once again, with Alex Ballinger MP taking the initiative during the hearing.

Opening this segment of the debate, Ballinger said:

“This week, FIFA announced a four-year partnership so that gambling platforms can stream World Cup games on UK websites for the first time.

“Football fans are already heavily exposed to gambling advertising, and the Government have confirmed that there is clear evidence linking gambling advertising to harm.

“As the Premier League has agreed to remove gambling adverts from the front of shirts this year, does the Minister share my concern that the livestreaming of World Cup games on gambling sites is a step in the wrong direction and can perpetuate further gambling harm?”

Detailing the response

The response was carefully thought out by the Labour MP Ian Murray. He tried to reassure Ballinger that he would look into the matter and he would have an update for him at a later date.

Murray said:

“There are two ways to answer that question. The first is with regard to exposure to the World Cup itself, and I want as many World Cup games as possible to be on free-to-air television. When Scotland qualified for the World Cup, it was on the BBC, and it brought the whole nation together which is what the World Cup should do for every nation that has qualified.

“Secondly, on exposure to gambling, we are committed to strengthening measures to protect those at risk, increasing the gambling levy. 20% of that £120 million will go towards making sure that we have the proper research to build on.

“I appreciate my hon. Friend raising this point. I will consider the issue with the Sport Minister, and I will write to my hon. Friend with an update in due course.”

More concerns raised

Top UK betting sites have reaped the benefits of streaming live sporting events. During the DCMS debate, another MP, Shockat Adam MP of Leicester South, raised the issue of gambling advertising while watching a Premier League game with his family.

Adam said:

“Last October, a match between Man City and Wolves had over 5,000 visible gambling ads during the game. Gambling destroys lives and is responsible for close to 500 suicides a year.

“What consideration is the Department giving to addressing this pressing and devastating issue?”

Murray, in response, claimed that the Government was actively looking at the matter. He also urged Adam to return to the parliamentary chamber later that day.

Start of something special?

FIFA’s deal with Stats Perform is a watershed moment, representing new ground for both parties. Whether the World Cup lives up to the hype both on and off the pitch remains to be seen.