The Premier League has postponed a planned vote on a voluntary ban on gambling sponsorships on jerseys.
The U.K.’s former Gambling Minister Chris Philip resigned July 7 along with dozens of other Parliament members, most notably former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
One is said to relate to the other. To be fair, the league wanted to put this behind them before potential government action, with a gambling reform white paper due any day now. Instead of a vote, the clubs will discuss the situation on July 26. They may or may not vote then, according to the BBC.
Parliament goes on summer break July 21, so it is unlikely the white paper will be published in advance of the vote.
Half of last season’s 20 Premier League teams had gambling sponsors on their shirts. For it to be approved, 14 clubs would need to vote in favor of a voluntary ban.
In Philp’s resignation letter to Johnson, he said: “I strongly urge you to deliver the review in full and undiluted.”
If the league does not vote, that will be a setback for campaigners who have waited months for a decision on gambling act reform, which has been the subject of many delays. Government sources suggest that a ban may still be on the table, voluntary or not.
