We should target those organizers, gamble bankers, and people who induce others to bet, to discipline them with severe and ruthless punishments.

So says a joint circular issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the State General Administration of Sport. China intends to ruthlessly crack down on football betting - which will include online betting. The police have been instructed to take seriously the task of ferreting out those who make gambling possible or 'induce people to gamble'. Severe punishments await those found guilty.

I suppose that it's hardly surprising that a totalitarian State with an appalling human rights record would want to come down so heavily on its people's choice to gamble. More surprising, perhaps, that Countries who profess the value of freedom would consider sending it's athletes to Beijing in 2008.