Sports data services provider Sportradar has served legal proceedings against Betgenius and Football DataCo (FDC) in relation to the licensing and distribution of live data or betting.
In a statement, Sportradar said the claim is in reference to the current structure for the licensing and distribution of live data from FDC football leagues for the purpose of betting.
According to Sportradar, the system that has been put in place by Betgenius and FDC is in breach of UK and European Union Competition Law.
Sportradar said the decision to begin legal action was done so with reluctance, noting that it had “hoped to find a fair solution that enables it to build its own database and to compete effectively in the market”, but this had not proved possible.
The provider said while it remains open to the hope of finding a resolution, it supports a competitive marketplace in which there is genuine choice between suppliers.
“This competition is vital for innovation, genuine product choice and fair pricing and we believe these elements are worth protecting; the step Sportradar has taken is focused on that outcome,” Sportradar said.
“Sportradar is, and has always been, willing to pay for access, and to be part of an integrated, accredited, and fair system of collection and distribution which enables competition.
“This status is not only harmful to data supply companies like Sportradar, but also to the downstream market (bookmakers and their customers) where product choice is being restricted or removed in favour of an information monopoly.
“This is why Sportradar has now sought adjudication by an independent specialist tribunal in the hope that matters can be resolved fairly and equitably.”
In May last year, Genius Sports secured a landmark deal with FDC, granting it exclusive rights to collect, license and distribute live data from the UK’s leading football competitions. The agreement was described by Genius Sports chief executive Mark Locke as “transformational” for the business.
iGB has contacted Betgenius for comment on the legal action.
