WESTERN United football club has been instructed to refrain from wearing any outfit being donated by Our Telekom’s business competitor during any match.
The clarification came following criticisms being raised in the social media after Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) advised Western United against wearing uniforms donated by its competitor – Bemobile/Vodafone after a friendly match.
Our Telekom is currently the main sponsor of Our Telekom S-League.
Our Telekom yesterday clarified that according to their legal agreement with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) it is not right to promote their competitor in their sponsored program.
Over the past days criticisms were raised in the social media after SIFF alerted Western United not to use their training uniforms donated by Bemobile/Vodafone during their friendly match last Wednesday at the SIFF Academy.
In response to Star Sports inquiry, Our Telekom Marketing Manager Robertson Szetu said the issue is being handled by SIFF legal team now.
“But yes, teams that are participating in the Telekom S-League are prohibited as franchised clubs in the TSL to endorse or advertise for the competitor,’’ he said.
“This is covered under the SIFF-STCL sponsorship partnership deal,’’ Szetu said.
The Marketing Manager said TSL teams can pursue support from other companies but not from their competitor.
“They can seek sponsorship or support from any other companies or entities apart from Bemobile/Vodafone.
“As part of our million dollar football partnership with SIFF, SIFF and any club participating in SIFF sanction tournaments are obliged to protect the major sponsor (Our Telekom) rights,’’ he added.
Bemobile/Vodafone last week supported Western United through the provision of training outfits and products.
The donation was made after the company launched one of its services in Munda, Western province.
But in response to the issue, Bmobile-Vodafone in a statement last night said, they have provided Western United training gear as they had requested this to help the team with morale and use instead of using individual sportswear when training.
“These will be used for fitness training and practice sessions only. Western united players will not wear this during any competitive matches.
“Bmobile-Vodafone will not be branding or sponsoring any teams during the S-league as they fully recognize and appreciate Our Telekom’s support for this competition.”
The statement added, the company is simply providing Western United’s telecommunication needs through their products and services so the team can train and communicate effectively.
“None of the players had any communication services till bmobile-Vodafone stepped in and added the club as corporate client.
“These packages are designed so the team can contact each other all times and ensure all training sessions for this season are fully attended.
“This is one of the perks the club provides to the players in the squad. The club has its sights fully focused on retaining the championship for the upcoming season through the support of its sponsor Douglas concrete.
By CROFTON UTUKANA
