Research project to guide Muslim athletes on use of data in betting

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – The Cardiff Centre for the Study of Islam is undertaking a research project to advise Muslim athletes on how to handle issues where their religion is in conflict with their job. The key concern is over betting, which is forbidden in Islam, where people bet and profit from an athlete’s performance.

The Global Sports Data and Technology Group has signed an agreement with the Professional Cricketers’ Association to advise and represent players about their data rights, as Muslim athletes can be unwilling or unwitting participants in data collection predicting likelihood of high performance in a game.

Other flash points are being asked to wear jerseys featuring a betting sponsor or being offered champagne after a win.

The project aims to provide guidance for Muslim athletes to take decisions based on their faith, about how data is used.