Culture secretary urges FA to ‘reconsider’ betting website deal

Culture secretary urges FA to ‘reconsider’ betting website deal

LONDON: The British government has urged the Football Association to “reconsider” its relationship with bookmaker bet365 as concerns grow over the link between problem gambling and mental health issues.

The gambling website streamed 23 third-round FA Cup games at the weekend as part of a deal signed with the FA in January 2017. The matches were only available to watch if the customer had placed a bet or put £5 ($6.5) in an account in the 24 hours before kick-off.

All third-round matches were delayed by one minute to publicise the FA’s “Heads Up” mental health campaign, backed by FA president Prince William. The FA agreed a media rights deal with IMG, a sports management company, in early 2017, which permits IMG to sell the rights to show live footage or clips of FA Cup matches to bookmakers. Bet365 acquired these rights from the start of the 2018/19 season. The FA has said it will review this element of its sale of media rights. The bet365 deal due to run until 2024.

However, secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nicky Morgan appeared to call on the governing body to look at the deal to see if there was any way out before that. “This is a contractual matter for the FA Bet365 but things have moved on since the contract was signed I hope they will reconsider,” she tweeted.

INSTEP

Looking forward to Karachi Eat 2020

By Maria Shirazi

Karachi Eat 2020 is certainly the biggest and therefore most anticipated food festival that takes place annually. It’s that one festival foodies wait for all year long. In its seventh edition this year, the festival is back with an extensive line-up of eateries including around 50 debutants.

Karachi Eat 2020 will open on Friday, January 10 (tomorrow) and will run till January 12, Sunday at the Beach View Park, which is adjacent to Dolmen Mall.

Last year, the footfall was around 200,000 – 250,000 according to the organizers, and featured a diverse range of cuisines including Middle Eastern, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, South Indian and many others.

Organized by CKO Events Architecture, the upcoming 3-day event will play host to over 115 food stalls, which have been carefully selected from over 500 applicants. It will feature a wide range of continental and desi dishes including biryani, burgers, doughnuts, ice creams, cakes, snacks, smoothies, chullu kebab, khausuey and much more.

Moreover, this year’s Karachi Eat will have an interesting line up of music performances including Josh, Sahara UK, Syed Asrar Shah, Zoe Viccaji, Waqar Ehsin (‘Tinak Dhin’ anyone?) and Rafay Israr, among others.

With new eateries making almost 50 per cent of the total participants this year, we’re excited to see what they have on offer for attendees. Instep selects five eateries that have caught our attention.

Muokata

With the promise of bringing the unforgettable taste of meat, Hunter Beef specialists, Muokata will be serving their tempting Swiss Beef Rolls at the fest. Apart from this, the restaurant will offer scrumptious tacos filled with super juicy beef. If you haven’t had the chance to visit their restaurant as yet, head to stall #67 at the Karachi Eat Festival and indulge in the wholesome protein or their take on the Mexican traditional dish.

SpicOgetti

Khausa lovers can rejoice as SpicOgetti, an online eatery delivering Khausa across Karachi for the last four years, is resurfacing at Karachi Eat for the second time in a row. Last year, they made their first public appearance at the Karachi Eat Food Festival and this year they are returning with another new entree. They will be serving their unique version of Khausa and Singaporean Rice, which are a part of their regular menu with the former offering the perfect coconut curry.

In addition, they’re offering a new entree called Chic ‘n’ Cheese Spaghetti, created exclusively for the Festival. It will satisfy your cheese cravings; put this on your must-try list and don’t forget to visit them at stall #56 during the three days.

Yoshi’s

The eatery that offers Japanese comfort food claims that they will be heating things up at this year’s food festival. Yoshi’s menu will include Moffle Chicken Sandwich, which according to them, is the Japanese take on the classic waffle and chicken combo with teriyaki sauce and pickles. As for their special item, they are bringing Ebiyaki, delicious balls made with dashi batter, filled with shrimp, veggies, pickles and topped with delicious Japanese sauces and toppings.

Drop by at stall #50 and enjoy some authentic Japanese snacks.

Pita: The Shawarma Revolution

Pita, as the name suggests is said to enhance the flavour of Middle Eastern cuisine. Pita: The Shawarma Revolution is adding a Pakistani twist to the Lebanese Shawarma and will be bringing special Shawarma Tacos. “Don’t miss the surprise we have cooked for you, so lock your calendars now,” read a post on Pita’s official Instagram handle. So do visit stall #52 to find out what they have to offer.

Basic

The trend of fried ice-cream is fast catching on and Basic will be serving Deep-Fried Ice-cream Bao with zing. Moreover, they will also have Taiwanese Steamed Spicy Fried Chicken Bao in their menu. Making their debut at the Karachi Eat Festival 2020, Basic is among one of the 100 plus new tastes to tantalize your taste buds.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/595605-culture-secretary-urges-fa-to-reconsider-betting-website-deal