By Mustapha Habeeb
September 23rd, 2024
The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) is taking a strong stance against ambush marketing, warning companies to stay away from its match venues unless they have properly approved contracts. This comes after reports of Infinix, a mobile device manufacturer, engaging in unauthorized marketing activities during NPFL matches.
Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye issued the warning, citing concerns over Infinix’s ambush activities, including presenting awards during matches without permission. The NPFL views these actions as a threat to its commercial value and sponsorship efforts.
In fact, the league has already reminded its 20 clubs that all rights contracts must be vetted and approved by the NPFL before they become operational. This is to prevent unauthorized brands from using the NPFL platform for promotional purposes.
“Last week we had cause to circulate a memo to all clubs to regularise their marketing activities by adhering to the process spelt out in our Framework and Rules.
“The reason for the general caution was that pictures and videos of Man-of-the-Match presentation were circulated showing Infinix, a brand not affiliated to the NPFL. The same company was also in Jos to illegally present an award at the end of Matchday 3 between Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes.
“We may have no option that take legal steps to protect our league assets from such underhanded marketing”, the NPFL Chairman stated.
He defined the league’s Man-of-the-Match award as one of the prominent award in a matchday reserved for only brands that enjoy a relationship with the league.
“Sporadic presentations of cheap mobile devices devalues the league and will not be allowed to continue. Furthermore, any Club that abates this illegal use of the NPFL will face stiff sanctions”, Elegbeleye warned.