October 3 – The Football Federation of North Macedonia (FFM) was left without one of its main sponsors after the State Video Lottery (VLT) terminated its contract less than three days after the government revoked its licenses for organising online games of chance.
Those licenses included the 2WIN.mk online platform owned by VLT.
The sponsorship withdrawal will see the FFM lose around €300,000 over the next two years.
“We inform you that in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 2 and 3, we are unilaterally terminating the above-mentioned agreement with a notice period of 3 (three) days from the receipt of this written notice,” read the notice sent by the State Video Lottery to the Football Federation of Macedonia.
“Due to the occurrence of unforeseen conditions that the provider could not have expected and anticipated before its conclusion, which result from the authentic interpretation of Article 7 of the Law on games of chance and entertainment games by the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Official Gazette of RSM No. 168 of August 14.08.2024, 21, due to which there are changes in the financial plan of the Company,” it added.
The company said that while it is exiting its sponsorship agreement, it will still promote the name and trademark of the State Video Lottery. Though it can’t operate unless its licenses are returned.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1735208171labto1735208171ofdlr1735208171owedi1735208171sni@o1735208171fni1735208171