Five Real stars set to take legal action against gambling industry

TheGeneral+ · Feb 28, 2005

MADRID: Five of Real Madrid’s star players are set to take legal action against seven online betting companies for using their images without consent, the club said.

David Beckham, Raul Gonzalez, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo “have consulted lawyer Jean-Luis Dupont,” said Real media chief Antonio Garcia Ferreras.

The team are also participating in the legal action, and said the companies are using Real’s name, photographs and illustrations on the Internet without authorisation.

Dupont is known for winning the landmark 1995 Bosman ruling, which allowed Jean-Marc Bosman and other soccer players to move freely to other European Union clubs. – AP

thestar.com

SportSavant · Feb 28, 2005

what a bunch of greedy f*cking bastards.....

cant they just live & let live?

Here is hoping that they each break their foots & can never play football (soccer) again.

Slash · Feb 28, 2005

They are all faggots.

Woody0 · Feb 28, 2005

It is important for players to protect their rights to their image...otherwise how can they sell Viagra when their career is over?

Dante · Feb 28, 2005

Woody0 said:
It is important for players to protect their rights to their image...otherwise how can they sell Viagra when their career is over?

exactly, good point

dmmd98 · Feb 28, 2005

I agree with the players. The sportsbook doesn't have a right to use there image to promote there product. Nikki Styxx (spelling) of Motley crue sued Vans clothing for using him in an ad without his permission. I wouldn't want my image to be used by a company I may or may not want anything to do it. In all fairness and full disclosure Luis Figo is one of my fav soccer players but that is a moot point in all this.