Uganda Premier League: Star Times, Express in ‘fight’ over GOtv sponsorship

A cold war between broadcast company Star Times and Express Football Club over GOtv sponsorship to the Wankulukuku based club has erupted.

Recently, Star Times, a Chinese pay tv company  announced a sponsorship deal for the Uganda Premier League and FUFA Big League worth US$7,240,000 (Shs28.1bn) for the next 10 years after bagging the title naming and broadcasting rights of the top flight leagues.

However, while addressing journalists the Star Times Uganda Vice president, Aldrine Nsubuga warned that having taken over both the naming and broadcasting rights for the Uganda Premier League for the next ten years, they would not allow direct competitors to the Chinese pay tv company as sponsors for any Uganda Premier League club.

“Direct competitors will not be allowed as sponsors for Uganda Premier League clubs,” Nsubuga said on September 5 at Namboole.

He had earlier clarified that Star Times were not club sponsors  before asking the  individual clubs to  ride onto the pay tv to look for other sponsorship deals.

However, the Nile Post has learnt that the Red Eagles have since brought on board GOtv as their shirt sponsors, a thing that has not  gone on well with the Chinese pay tv company.

GOtv is a direct competitor to Star Times and if Aldrine Nsubuga’s words are to go by, the former can’t be allowed as sponsors to the Wankulukuku based club.

In a tweet, new Express FC chairman, Kiryowa Kiwanuka has said they won’t be cowed by any threats from the new league sponsors adding that their main aim should be working to develop the game of football.

“We do not take too well to threats. Therefore we humbly request and strongly suggest that these unprovoked media outbursts from Star Times should immediately cease,”Kiwanuka tweeted.

According to the seasoned lawyer, there are loopholes in the 10 year contract signed by the Chinese pay tv company, a problem he said needs to be addressed.

“A problem actually exists and a solution should be sought.”

According to Kiwanuka, it would be unfortunate for Star Times to cancel the 10 year Uganda Premier League sponsorship deal calling for all parties to try to work together for Ugandan football.

 

 

 

 

 

.