Villa cut ties with betting firm over Russia links

ASTON VILLA have terminated their marketing deal with Parimatch after the betting firm were sanctioned by Ukraine. Chelsea, Newcastle and Leicester are expected to follow their lead.

The Cyprus-based sports tech company were one of 287 betting operators sanctioned for continuing to operate in Russia earlier this month, with President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing them of seeking to benefit financially from the invasion of Ukraine.

Sportsmail revealed a fortnight ago that Chelsea were reviewing their contract with Parimatch due to sensitivity at Stamford Bridge over the Russian invasion, but Villa have moved quickest to sever ties. Villa are understood to have mutually agreed to terminate their marketing rights with Parimatch following constructive talks. Chelsea, Newcastle and Leicester remain in the process of liaising with Parimatch over their deals, but termination is expected shortly.

The issue is particularly pressing for Chelsea and Newcastle as both clubs have home matches this weekend. Parimatch branding is due to be displayed on LED advertising hoardings at Stamford Bridge and St James Park.

The expected terminations will come as a relief to the Premier League, who despite offering considerable financial support to Ukraine have also faced scrutiny since the start of the war for links to companies operating in Russia.

In June last year the Premier League took decisive action by cancelling their new, six-year £43million television contract in the country with Match TV, which is owned by the state-controlled energy company Gazprom.