When the media addresses the steady stream of takeovers of Premiership football clubs by various individuals, groups and consortia, they never use the "B" word.
Betting is a key part of the Financial Projections and Business Strategies for all such investors. And yet, it is never mentioned.
Global betting volumes of top grade football matches are already truly colossal and they will continue to grow as the market matures.
The sponsorship of clubs, players, shirts and grounds by the betting industry continues apace without any sign of reaction by the authorities. At the last count, there were about 50 Betfred kiosks in Old Trafford.
And when Sky took over English football, the infamous "red button" on the remote control was always intended as a route to Skybet - they feed you the images and the vocals and you give them more money = simple.
But the media prefers us to think that these equity-heads are acting out of some quaint form of altruism in supporting the game that "they have loved since childhood" etc etc.
Which brings me rather neatly on to yesterday's press release by UEFA Spokesperson William Gaillard. In response to the proposed takeover of Liverpool by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (the billionaire ruler of the emirate of Dubai), Gaillard warns that super-rich owners represent a "risk of destabilising our European competitions" and refers to a concentration of power that "could destroy the game".
Ignoring the fact that it is a bit rich hearing UEFA targeting control freakery, Gaillard evidently has a valid point. Football is now square in the middle of the Spectacular Society. It is becoming a gambling sport with some theatre thrown in. The result of this is a European game in considerable flux. UEFA is directionless until the Platini/Johansson election is out of the way (even though the suits will ensure that the Swede prevails). There are squabbles within the G14(18). The formation of the UEFA Strategy Board has further divided club loyalties.
Expect more shenanigans as the battle heats up.
© Football Is Fixed/Dietrological
