BREAKING: Bad News for Team Latvia After Illegal Activity
The underdog Latvia National Team, which cruised to a stunning Bronze Medal victory at the 2023 World Championships, are reportedly at risk of a conflict over a sponsorship issue.
Team Latvia wore sponsored jerseys featuring the logo of betting company OlyBet, in which the promotion of gambling is prohibited in Finland under the country's laws.
While it's unlikely that Latvia, or OlyBet, will face legal action, the IIHF could create a stricter rule against gambling, in which the recent intertwining of betting in sporting events has come over scrutiny for the promotion of gambling, which carries the risk of addiction.
Betting sponsorships in European sports is not uncommon. 8 Teams in the most recent season of the English Football Premier League were sponsored by betting services.
While Latvia cannot be seen at fault for their sponsor , it will remain unknown what will come out of this, and what this will have on the impact of betting in international hockey, but it will for sure be a continued and contentious conflict for many.
| POLL | ||
What should happen to Latvia for this sponsorship? | ||
| Suspension | 53 | 13.3 % |
| Fine | 70 | 17.6 % |
| No Punishment | 275 | 69.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
