In Aston Villa's UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge yesterday, a few players, including Jhon Durán and Kosta Nedeljkovic, appeared on the pitch without Betano’s sponsorship on their shirts. Let us find out why - it was not an error.
Belgium's Gambling Law Forbids Under 21 to Promote Betting
Betting company Betano is Villa's primary sponsor, featuring on the front of the kits. The absence of the Betano logo on some of Aston Villa's kits is due to Belgium’s strict gambling regulations. Since September 2024, Belgium has banned gambling ads featuring anyone under the age of 21, impacting younger athletes.
As Durán is only 20, the law prohibits him from promoting Betano, reflecting the country’s tighter stance on gambling and minors.
It is not the first time teams have had to adjust their kits due to betting regulations in other countries. Stuttgart had to change its shirt twice - removing the sponsor in Spain, and adding a TV in Italy.
Do you think Belgium's betting rule does make any sense, as minors and everyone else still see the Betano logo on most players' shirts? Let us know in the comments below.