Spanish football legend Gaizka Mendieta will be playing in the second edition of the SBC Championship, held on Wednesday 22 May at Stamford Bridge.
Backed by headline sponsor Trustly Group, alongside supporting partners BetConstruct and Catena Media, the 16-team five-a-side football tournament will once again be officiated by former FIFA and Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher.
Midfield maestro Mendieta, who commanded a fee of around £30 million when moving from Valencia to Lazio in 2001, will be playing for the SBC team.
He collected 40 caps for Spain – scoring 8 times – in a glittering 17-year career which ultimately led him to English football, where he made 62 league appearances for Middlesbrough and helped the club to its first ever silverware in 2003/04.
In total, the 16 teams – all playing in branded Chelsea FC kits – will feature up to 140 representatives from some of the sports betting industry’s leading operators, suppliers, affiliates and media organisations.
The tournament will feature a pitch-side barbecue after the group phase, before attention turns to the SBC Championship semi-finals and final from 16:00. It will be rounded off with a networking party and plenty of drinks at Frankie’s Sports Bar & Diner.
SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark is hoping that Mendieta can inspire SBC to play better than last year, which saw the ‘Justice League’ take the trophy – a team featuring representatives of Gambling.com, Scout Gaming Group, GiG, Betsson and EnergyBet.
“The SBC Championship was a major success story last year,” said Sojmark. “And not just for those who played, but also for all those industry colleagues, friends and family members that came along to watch. It is the perfect way to unite and strengthen the industry community through a day of football, networking and food.”
Samuel Barrett, Director of Gaming & Payments Specialist at Trustly, added: “For us, choosing to get involved again with the SBC Global Championship was a no-brainer.
“It’s such an exciting day for all those fortunate enough to play, and a great social day out for those who can find the time to get down and watch. We’re delighted to put the Trustly name – and all of our innovative payment solutions – to such a successful event.”
Mendieta concluded: “It will be a dream come true for those walking out to play in a top stadium. I can’t wait to be involved, it should be a special day for the sports betting industry.”
SBC invites industry partners and friends to join us as guests on the day for pitchside BBQ and drinks. Spaces are limited, however, so please contact [email protected] if interested.