Gambling links may affect Glazer

MALCOLM GLAZER could find himself under further scrutiny by the National Football League (NFL) over Manchester United’s gambling connections.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner has been asked by gridiron officials to explain the club’s links to a casino.

The NFL are historically nervous about any owner being associated with gambling and condemn the practice.

In addition to a casino being planned, United have a deal with Ladbrokes, who have a number of betting booths at Old Trafford.

United also receive revenue through Sky and the broadcasting company has an off-shoot in Skybet.

Glazer, who has taken effective control at United by buying up 76% of shares, would seem to be at odds with NFL policy over gambling.

Shareholders United claim the issue needs to be addressed ahead of the proposed casino being built, as a decision on that matter is not due to be taken until early 2007.

However, the pressure group believes if the NFL feel the need to bring Glazer to book then the punishment would more likely involve the Buccaneers.

“If the NFL are interested in upholding their policies then what they would probably do is enforce them on Glazer’s stateside business,” said SU’s US representative JD Deitch. “If they are stuck between a rock and a hard place, they cannot tell Glazer how to run Manchester United.

“They may put pressure on Tampa Bay and say to him ‘you cannot continue owning the team’.

“I am not sure the NFL understands the fact that United derive a source of revenue from Ladbrokes, Sky and Skybet.

“One would assume, though, the Glazers recognise this. We have been told they have tremendous business acumen. I don’t think they are going to be actively looking to deny themselves revenue from betting. They will only do what the NFL tell them.”

Deitch was in Washington yesterday for the NFL’s spring meeting but was left frustrated in his efforts to speak to the Glazer family.

Glazer senior is preparing to explain to the NFL United’s partnership with gaming company Las Vegas Sands Corp and the plans for a regional casino at Old Trafford.

Ladbrokes insisted last night their relationship with United would continue.

A spokesman said: “We have a commercial partnership with Manchester United that is subject to contract and this position is unchanged by the change in ownership at the club.”