Ibrahimovic-backed Bethard delays launch

Bethard, a new betting firm backed by Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has postponed its launch over fears it could breach English Football Association (FA) rules.

Ibrahimovic, who currently plays his club football for English Premier League team Manchester United, had been due to be unveiled as the main face of Bethard at a press conference earlier this week.

However, according to The Telegraph, the FA was alerted to the planned event and organisers opted to delay the gathering as it sought further information on rules regarding players in England promoting gambling.

Players at English clubs are banned from betting on football events anywhere in the world.

FA regulations also state: “An individual participant, when acting in a personal capacity, shall not be permitted to advertise or promote any betting activity that the participant is prohibited from engaging in.”

In a message sent to those invited to the event, Bethard said: “We will be in touch with a new date soon, and please bear with us until then as we are unable to offer further information at this time.”

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