FIFA Clears Stance on Betting Sponsors for Referees
FIFA has reinforced its stance on prohibiting betting industry firms and other sectors from sponsoring referee shirts or VAR rooms. The new circular comes after some countries were found to be non-compliant with the rule.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The notice, sent to member associations last week, serves as a reminder about specific regulations regarding the 'Organisation of Refereeing'. FIFA maintains that match officials' shirts, the video assistant referee (VAR) system, the video operation room (VOR), and the referee review area (RRA) must remain free from gambling advertisements to ensure the game's impartiality.
FIFA introduced updates to its regulatory framework governing refereeing a few years ago, establishing clear roles for referees, committees, and members in promoting refereeing development. The regulations, implemented at the local level by member associations, strive to provide match officials with consistent and professional support in a bid to maintain high refereeing standards worldwide.
A statement from the association read: "In view of the above, FIFA Member Associations are kindly reminded that in matches and competitions organised under their jurisdiction, any form of gambling advertising (including casinos or betting companies) is strictly forbidden on the shirts worn by match officials, in the VOR and the RRA. This prohibition also applies to any related banner that might appear on television during an On-Field Review (OFR), and to all other advertising involving tobacco- related products, alcohol, narcotics and slogans of a political, racist, or religious nature.”
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Currently, cases of betting firms sponsoring referee kits are few and far between, likely due to the industry's understanding of the potential backlash and damage to their reputation.
With the significant influence referees have on the game's outcome through decisions like bookings and goal disallowances, which are also betting markets, it makes it unwise for the betting industry to sponsor match officials, as this would likely lead to negative public perception.
Additional Guidelines for Referee Uniforms
FIFA also reminded that match officials' attire cannot feature advertising that conflicts with the sponsors of participating teams. In such cases, the conflicting advertising must be removed from both the officials' attire and the RRA/VOR before kickoff.
Furthermore, the circular specifies that the front of the shirt may only feature official badges, the member association's emblem, and a small manufacturer logo, with no advertising allowed. Furthermore, advertising is not permitted on shorts, socks, or shoes, except for standard kit manufacturer logos.
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