Fonbet gains Russian football second division title sponsorship

Russian sports betting operator Fonbet has agreed terms with the National Football League (FNL) to become the title sponsor of the Russian second division for season 2015/2016

The agreement comes as Russian authorities have relaxed rules on advertising of sports betting services to national consumers. The 20 team division will be officially labelled the ‘Fonbet Russian Football Championship’.

Fonbet management further detailed that it would help the FNL create an early warning system to detect match corruption and prevent the manipulation of football results.

Issuing a press statement the FNL commented that it believed it had gained the right partner for its second division. FNL governance stated that Fonbet understood Russian football and its needs as the nation gears up to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Based in Moscow, Fonbet currently operates over 800 betting points within Russia as well as licensed online betting services. Fonbet governance stated that it would assist the FNL in local and youth development initiatives