French Football Rapped Over Online Gambling

French Football Club Olympique Lynnais FC has been rapped for Online Gambling Promotion.

Olympique Lynnais FC was told by the Ligue de Football Professionel to refrain from wearing its soccer kit sponsored by a French online casino – or risk having the game halted.

The French government has given the professional football association and referees the power to stop games where online gambling firms are marketed on team clothing.

The government has been very tough in its message to gambling groups to respect the timetable of the new reforms to be introduced by the end of the year.

“The opening of the market for online gambling will take place during 2010,” said Budget Minister, Eric Woerth. “Upon then, both sides must respect French law. In a democracy, laws are not negotiable. Being a sports leader and an outlaw is incompatible. I therefore call on Jean Michel Aulas, Lyon president and the company in question to keep their nerve.”

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