An alleged breach of sponsorship agreement could see Lautoka Football Association in trouble?

This came about at Nadi International Airport yesterday morning when the Lautoka football players and officials travelling to Port Vila, Vanuatu for the OFC Champions League, did not have the Vodafone Fiji logo on their t-shirts.

Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf told SUNsports they have demanded Lautoka FA for an explanation on why they did not have the Vodafone logo on their shirts.

“This is not on as Vodafone gave $50,000 to Lautoka FA to help prepare them for the Champions League,” Yusuf said after ordered that all photos taken during the team’s departure to be taken down from their Facebook page.

“We had an understanding that the team’s casual wear must have the Vodafone logo.  “We’re waiting for Lautoka FA’s explanation before we decide on what action to take. This is a very serious matter.”

It’s is understood that the logo of a Vanuatu company was on the team’s shirt instead.

Lautoka midfielder Zibraaz Sahib (left) in the controversial t-shirt at Nadi International Airport on February 12, 2020.
Photo: Anushil Kumari

LAUTOKA’S REPLY

When contacted, Lautoka FA president Shalend Prasad said there was a misunderstanding as they have the Vodafone logo on the jersey where they can give them maximum mileage.

“In due respect to Vodafone who has done a lot for the country and football, we’ve placed their logo on the jersey and they get maximum mileage from all our games,” he said.

“Yes, Vodafone has given us $50,000 but to take a team to the Champions League we need more than $200,000.

“This is where we’ve to be fair to our other sponsors as well by placing their company logos on our t-shirts, training vests and so on.”

Prasad highlighted that there were Vanuatu companies that had supported them with sponsorships and this was a way to give them mileage as they don’t have Vodafone in the country.

“I will write to Fiji FA and give our reasons but that does not take away our respect for the parent body and Vodafone as well,” he added.

Lautoka are in Group B with Henderson Eels, Lae City, Malampa Revivors FC. The competition is played at Luganville  Soccer City at Espiritu Santo from February 15-21.

VODAFONE SPONSORSHIP

Last year, Vodafone Fiji announced a $5.5 million sponsorship with Fiji FA for five years at all levels.
Edited by Karalaini Tavi

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