EFL clubs call for ban that would impact Birmingham City

A group of English Football League and non-league clubs have sent a request to the government to ban the use of gambling as a form of advertising in football - which could impact Birmingham City.

The group which includes the likes of Luton Town, Tranmere Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and non-league sides such as Chippenham Town and Dulwich Hamlet, have sent a letter to the government to call for a ban on all gambling sponsorships with the aim being to "challenge the notion that football is dependent on gambling advertising revenues".

The letter, which was constructed by the Gambling With Lives group, states: ""As owners, directors, and executives responsible for our clubs, we have witnessed the harmful growth of gambling sponsorship and advertising in football, including the negative impact on our fans.

"A ban on gambling logos on shirts would be a significant acceptance of the harm caused, but we would encourage you to include all gambling advertising in stadiums and competition sponsorship so every young fan can go to any football match - home and away - free of inducements to gamble.

"As trusted hubs of our community, we have a social and ethical responsibility to our young fans and wider fanbase to create the safest possible environment to watch their heroes. This is not compatible with something that causes more than 400 suicides every year in England alone.

"There is overwhelming consensus about the harm caused by gambling marketing, with the betting industry themselves even offering a voluntary whistle-to-whistle ban on TV advertising during live games. Sadly, measures like this are relatively ineffective as it is still virtually impossible to watch a football league game in the UK without seeing a gambling