Werder Bremen to lose Bwin logo

German club Werder Bremen must take off the shirt logo and take down advertising of main sponsor Bwin when at home, according to a court order.

As Bwin is an Austrian-based online betting company, some German states prohibit the use of publicity by private betting firms. Bremen still may use the firm's logo when away from home.

The club said it will appeal, and will play the next match with the words "we win" on the shirt.

Bwin expects a decision by the end of the year on whether its joint chief executives will face criminal charges in France. Manfred Bodner and Norbert Teufelberger, who were detained in Monaco last Friday on charges of violating France's internet gaming laws, were released Monday on bail of EUR 300,000 after a hearing in a court near Paris.

Gambling is a state monopoly in France and online betting firms are banned from seeking clients in French territory. Bwin has protested against the "aggressiveness" of the French authorities. The betting firm denied that it had violated European law.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.