Wolves and Palace Partner with Shady Vietnamese Sportsbooks English Premier League clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) and Crystal Palace have come under fire for signing sponsorship deals with two shady Vietnamese sportsbooks. The Deals Wolves signed a deal with the sportsbook W88, while Palace partnered with Vwin. Both companies are licensed in Vietnam but have been criticized for their questionable practices. W88: Accused of Fraud W88 has faced accusations of fraud and scamming customers. In 2021, the UK Gambling Commission fined the company £6.9 million for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. Vwin: Links to Organized Crime Vwin has been linked to organized crime, with reports suggesting that it operates illegal gambling operations in Vietnam. The company has also been accused of manipulating odds and unfairly suspending customer accounts. Premier League Concerns The Premier League has expressed concern over these partnerships. The league is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity and reputation and is investigating the deals. Fan Backlash Fans of both clubs have condemned the partnerships, calling them “unethical” and “damaging to the club’s image.” Supporters have launched online petitions and protested outside matches to demand that the deals be terminated. Pressure from Sponsors Major sponsors of Wolves and Palace, such as Adidas and Nike, have also expressed concerns about the partnerships. They worry that their association with the clubs could damage their own reputations. Impact on Reputation The deals have tarnished the reputation of both Wolves and Palace. The clubs have been accused of putting profit before principle and ignoring the concerns of fans and sponsors. Consequences The Premier League could impose sanctions on the clubs, including fines or points deductions. The clubs could also face backlash from fans, sponsors, and the wider public. Conclusion The sponsorship deals between Wolves, Palace, and the shady Vietnamese sportsbooks have caused controversy and raised serious questions about the integrity of the game. The Premier League and the clubs involved must take action to address these concerns and ensure that such partnerships do not damage the reputation of English football.Premier League Clubs Linked to Illegal Vietnamese Gambling CompaniesPremier League Clubs Linked to Illegal Vietnamese Gambling Companies Premier League clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace have raised eyebrows with their recent sponsorship deals with DEBET and Net88, respectively. Investigations have emerged casting doubt on the legitimacy of these two companies and suggesting they may be linked to illegal Vietnamese gambling operations. Lack of Online Presence and Ownership Both DEBET and Net88 have minimal online presence, with their English-language accounts having less than 250 combined followers. Research has also revealed that their trademarks were filed on the same day, leading to speculation that they may be operated by the same entity. Identity Theft and Cockfighting Bets Martin Calladine, a football author, has shared concerning discoveries regarding Net88’s supposed CEO. The individual’s identity has been linked to a deceased TikToker, and the company appears to offer bets on cockfights, further raising questions about its legitimacy. Consequences for the Premier League The involvement of two Premier League clubs with potentially illegal gambling companies raises serious concerns about the league’s reputation and integrity. The Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most popular sporting leagues in the world, and it is expected to maintain high standards of conduct. Questions about Sponsorship Deals Given the Premier League’s strict financial fair play regulations and the controversy surrounding Manchester City’s alleged breaches, it is surprising that the league would allow these sponsorship deals to proceed if there is substance to the allegations against DEBET and Net88. Legitimate Sponsorship Opportunities With the Premier League’s global reach, there are undoubtedly countless legitimate companies that would be eager to sponsor clubs like Wolves and Palace. It is unclear why these clubs have opted for partnerships with questionable entities. Conclusion The involvement of Premier League clubs with potentially illegal gambling companies raises serious concerns about the league’s integrity and the need for enhanced scrutiny in such matters. Further investigation is necessary to determine the extent of the links between DEBET, Net88, and any illegal activities, and to protect the reputation of the league and the clubs involved.Football clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace have signed new sponsorship deals with Vietnamese sportsbooks Fun88 and W88 respectively. Both clubs have come under fire for their links to the gambling industry, which has been accused of exploiting vulnerable people. Fun88 is owned by the Philippines-based gambling company CEZA. The company has been criticized for its aggressive marketing tactics, which have been blamed for contributing to gambling addiction. W88 is owned by the Vietnam-based gambling company VNG. The company has been linked to organized crime and money laundering. The deals with Fun88 and W88 come at a time when the gambling industry is facing increasing scrutiny. The UK government is currently reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 and is considering measures to reduce the harm caused by gambling. The new sponsorship deals have been condemned by anti-gambling campaigners. Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of the Clean Up Gambling campaign, said: “These deals are a disgrace. Football clubs should not be promoting companies that exploit vulnerable people.” Wolves and Palace have defended their decisions to sign the deals. Wolves said that Fun88 is “a reputable and responsible company” and that the deal will help to “grow the club’s global reach.” Palace said that W88 is “a respected brand” and that the deal will help to “support the club’s ambitions on and off the pitch.”
