GMB – You've been in Buenos Aires for a few days dealing with a series of Klefer deals for companies in Europe. What exactly are you looking for and what are your expectations about it?
Fernando Paz – We have expertise in the LatAm market and we are helping two sports betting companies in Europe to establish themselves in the region. Obtaining a license in Argentina has some peculiarities and we are advising these companies to achieve this.
That is, directing the focus of action a little to another extremely important activity in the sector!
Exactly. Our role is to help the client – a bookmaker – to enter the South American market. As we have a history of more than 40 years, we managed to find the shortest paths, not only to obtain licenses, but also to sponsor clubs and confederations and win brand ambassadors. This is the work we are developing and that is why I have been in Argentina for more than a week dealing with it.
We spoke recently in London, where you were to put together the last details to close these deals!
That's right. It's a process. We did networking in London to help clients in Brazil and for those who want to come to Argentina, Colombia or Chile. We seek to understand their needs and seek to adapt these needs to the reality of the market.
You mentioned ambassadors. Klefer recently signed a contract to take care of Zico's brand and name. ‘Galinho de Quintino’ is a brand to be explored by bookmakers. How is this deal? Is he being sought after by companies in the sector?
‘Galinho de Quintino’ is an entity. Zico is an incredible person, both for what he was on the pitch and for what he did outside the four lines. We are creating a sensational project. It will be totally disruptive in the sports betting market and then we will see how we can fit a brand into this project. I can't give spoilers, but you can be sure that it will be something very interesting, because we can't just work on the ‘Galinho’ brand as an image. It will have the identity Klefer.
Klefer ID and a bookmaker's shirt. Is this already done?
Yes. Now we are going to the market very soon with this product linked to Zico.
Promise success?
Of course. It will be a complete and disruptive success.
Zico represents what we can think of that attracts a bookmaker. He is a man of the game, football and recognized worldwide!
Associating with Zico is bringing everything he created throughout his life. He's a guy who never had any relationship problems. He's a fantastic guy, caring and represents a lot. It's not attaching yourself to a character just because he's a character. He's Zico!
Speaking of bookmakers, we are on the eve of regulation with allegations of match-fixing. How to show society that bookmakers are victims of this action?
It's very funny when we read the news about match-fixing. It's been going on for a hundred years, but only because bookmakers are in the spotlight and regulation is coming it's been talked about. Bookmakers are the most interested in this being fought. It's bad for business when that happens. That's why I think it's important to create associations to work for sporting integrity and to combat the practice, as bookmakers are completely against these actions.
Source: Exclusive GMB
