During a press release this Friday, football club Real Madrid announced it would take legal action against the use by online betting operators of the images and names of Real Madrid star soccer players.

Legal action is taking place in three countries, Belgium, Germany and France, against Ladbrokes, Betfair, Betandwin, MrBookmaker, William Hill and Victor Chandler. Real Madrid’s lawyer explained that the club would seek to immediately stop the use of the image, name and symbols related to Real Madrid and star players David Beckham, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Raúl and Figo. It would also make damage claims.

“Global sports betting is developing incredibly“, according to Real Madrid’s lawyer Mr. Dupont, “but internet companies needs to respect laws like anyone else”.