The Dutch football club PEC Zwolle faced rejection from the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) for an advertising proposal involving the IJsseltoren business center. The club's plan to display a life-size photo of Captain Bram van Polen on the 96-meter tall building, paying tribute, was declined by the regulator. The rejection was based on the prominent display of the logo of online casino Circus.nl, a partner of PEC Zwolle.
The KSA argued that such an image could potentially violate the ban on untargeted advertising. While the club and Circus.nl contended that it fell under sports sponsorship, which is exempt from the ban until July 1, 2025, the regulator disagreed, stating it did not resemble traditional sports sponsorship. The KSA warned of potential penalties if the advertising proceeded.
