Sponsors flee sumo after betting scandal

A betting scandal in the Japanese wrestling sport of Sumo has led to the cancellation of several of the sport's major sponsorships, with Bloomberg reporting that the scandal is threatening the sumo association's annual sales of around $94 million from its six annual tournaments.

Food manufacturer Nagatanien Co cancelled its 12 million yen ($130,000) sponsorship of the sport's recent Nagoya tournament, with Asahi Mutual Life Insurance Co., IHI Corp., Natori Co. and Fuji Xerox following suit.

A statement from Tokyo-based the Nagatanien Co said âwe take this case seriously as it has a big social impact "we hope this traditional national sport will become clean."

Japan's sumo association recently suspended its chairman and 13 wrestlers after some members admitted to illegal gambling on baseball matches. Organisers are protecting $96 million in tournament sales and guarding against damage to a sport already hurt by allegations of assault, trainee abuse and drug use.

Japanese Sports Minister Tatsuo Kawabata told reporters in Tokyo "the association is paying for its failure to take adequate measures to address various incidents in the past.

"The fate of sumo, with a long history, hinges on efforts by the association from now on."

Minister Kawabata said he was concerned about links between the sport and organised crime, including allegations that âstablemastersâ gave front-row tournament tickets to gangsters.

An investigative panel commissioned by the association has recommended that at least two members be expelled for their involvement in gambling.

Image: A sumo match  between formeryokozuna Asashōryū (left) and then-komusubi Kotoshōgiku in January 2008. Image used for illustrative purposes only.

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