Premier League Footballers Voice Concern Over Data exploitation by Betting Companies
Betting on soccer is a massive industry, and the English Premier League (EPL) has struck a lucrative deal with data company Genius Sports, supplying real-time statistics to sportsbooks. But hundreds of players have banded together to demand answers on how companies collect, use, and profit from their data.
Leading the charge is the Global Sports Data and Technology Group (GSDT), comprising over 850 players from the professional soccer scene. They claim that data such as running speed and positioning is being commercialized without paying the players, and, in some cases, without their consent.
Ex-Fulham player and now lawyer, Udo Onwere, explains it's not just about the money, but players' concerns about their information being used by companies they find morally objectionable, such as gambling firms.
However, data companies currently don't have a legal obligation to obtain players' permission to monetize their data. While general data protection regulation (GDPR) mandates any processing of personal data to be lawful, transparent, and fair, it doesn't specifically address player data in the Premier League.
Currently, the handling of player data in the English Premier League faces regulatory complexities and ethical dilemmas. With increasing debates and concerns, there's a growing need for a comprehensive framework specifically tailored to how player data is managed in the Premier League.
Turns out, data firms are commercially utilizing player data without adequate compensation and without their consent, reflecting a broader trend in professional sports. Ethical use of data and consent are paramount concerns, but they're not universally adopted practices in the Premier League. The rapidly evolving technology, including AI-driven analytics, has surpassed legal regulations, creating uncertainties about ownership rights and potential misuse of player data.
Players argue they should be compensated for the commercial use of their data, which impacts contracts and endorsements. The need for clear frameworks to guarantee transparency, protect against misuse, and handle algorithmic bias is gaining recognition.
As AI and predictive models for player performance analysis become more prevalent, questions about data privacy and consent intensify. This complex debate involves multiple stakeholders, including players, clubs, agents, and regulators, emphasizing the complexity of establishing comprehensive regulations.
In conclusion, while players raise concerns about the lack of compensation and consent in data handling, formal regulations in the Premier League are still in development. With data analytics defining the future of the sport, there is an urgent need for clear governance and ethical standards to tackle these issues.
Sports betting companies profit from football data, specifically the English Premier League (EPL), without paying the players, according to Udo Onwere, a former Fulham player turned lawyer. The Global Sports Data and Technology Group (GSDT), representing over 850 professional soccer players, demands fair compensation for commercializing their data, including running speed and positioning statistics.
