Around the Betting Planet: EPL shoots down Project Big Picture

US sports betting news

Top NBA draft prospect LaMelo Ball strikes deal with Puma

In the old days, players had to wait for a major team to pick them before sponsorship deals would emerge. But things have changed, as LaMelo Ball’s recent deal with Puma shows.

The 19-year-old recently signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the German shoemaker, thus becoming the newest face of the multinational brand. Ball is said to be very excited about the deal, as he believes there’s chemistry between himself and the company.

Ball is no stranger to product endorsement deals. Three years ago, he launched his signature shoe through a family brand before leaving the United States for professional stints in New Zealand and Lithuania. Now, US betting sites are touting Ball as a potential top pick in the NBA 2020 draft.

UK sports betting news

Premier League rejects Project Big Picture

The radical Liverpool and Manchester-backed ‘Project Big Picture’ overhaul proposal for English football has been rejected by the Premier League. The plan was unanimously shot down in a gathering of 20 club representatives.

Project Big Picture would’ve destined considerable funds towards EFL clubs, helping them avoid bankruptcy. However, it would’ve also changed the voting structure and power of each team, giving outsized influence to the big six clubs.

While the pandemic has threatened the financial stability and sustainability of many smaller clubs, the promised bailout was not sufficiently enticing. Still, with no bailout deal in sight, the future of many EFL clubs remains in question. UK betting sites will be watching, as it would have a significant impact on the football section of their operations. 

Africa sports betting news

SA sports minister threatens to step in amid Cricket South Africa crisis

Following long months of controversy and scandal, Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently received a dire ultimatum from the national authorities. Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s sports minister, told the International Cricket Council (ICC) that he intends to intervene in the organization.

The ministry’s threat will take effect if CSA fails to implement reforms to its governance structure and policies. Direct government intervention would violate established ICC rules, which would in turn prevent South Africa from competing internationally.

The ICC prohibits government intervention with its members, with the most common penalty being a ban. CSA has until October 27 to enact reforms, as per Mthethwa’s statements. Cricket betting is one of the most popular markets at South African bookmakers.

Europe sports betting news

Denmark beat England 1-0 after Maguire red card

With the UEFA Nations League underway, European teams continue to face off in international football matches. Denmark bested England at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night in a 1-0 victory. A 36th-minute penalty goal from Christian Eriksen allowed the Danes to relax for most of the game.

Despite dominating possession from early on, England struggled to find open spaces. The crippling blow came when Harry Maguire was shown a red card 31 minutes into the first half. Down to 10 men, the Three Lions never recovered, and Eriksen’s penalty sealed their fate five minutes later.

A second red card would come in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Reece James was sent off. After the game, Denmark stand second in the Nations League’s League A, Group 2. England now lag behind in third place on goal difference.

South America sports betting news

Messi yells at ref in Bolivia post-match scuffle

Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifier game against Bolivia ended in a tumultuous after-match altercation. Videos of the heated exchange show superstar forward Lionel Messi front and center of the action. According to local reports, the star furiously shouted at the referee.

After slinging out some expletives, the Barcelona legend confronted the ref, allegedly shouting, “What’s up, baldie?” It’s unclear what exactly set Messi off. Argentina won the match 2-1, but tempers flared as both teams clashed after the final whistle.

Curiously, the ref that Messi apparently yelled at was born in Argentina. He has praised Messi in the past through his social media accounts.

Australia sports betting news

Champion jockey reveals top two contenders for The Everest 2020

Glen Boss is the jockey who rode Yes Yes Yes to victory in last year’s The Everest. This year, Boss believes the richest turf race in the world is a “two-horse race”. His top picks are his own mount, Godolphin sprinter Bivouac, and Farnan.

Boss previously rode Farnan to victory at Gosford, so he’s speaking from personal and professional experience. The 51-year-old jockey also revealed that he doesn’t prepare for races by running scenarios in his head. Instead, he prefers to play it by ear, following his instincts.

Boss may not be a professional sports analyst, but his prediction should bear some weight in The Everest betting action.

NZ sports betting news

New Zealand back out of England friendly due to COVID concerns

An upcoming football friendly between New Zealand and England has been canceled by the former team, according to reports. New Zealand apparently withdrew from the match due to concerns over risks to player safety and worries about travel logistics.

England would’ve received the Kiwi national team at Wembley Stadium on November 12, in a match closed to the public. The Football Association will now have to organize a replacement match.

This marks a stark contrast to spectator sports in New Zealand, where the first Bledisloe Cup Test drew massive crowds. The second Test this Sunday is expected to see more than 47,000 attendants.