Cough UGX 1Bn to Proline Soccer Academy for violation of image rights of players, Court Orders MTN

By Emmanuel Sekago

In a significant legal ruling, a court has ordered MTN Uganda to pay UGX 1 billion to the Proline Soccer Academy for the violation of image rights of Uganda Cranes players.

The court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting the rights and interests of athletes and upholding ethical standards in sports marketing and sponsorship agreements.

The dispute arose from allegations that MTN Uganda had improperly used the image rights of Uganda Cranes players without proper authorization or compensation.

The Proline Soccer Academy, acting on behalf of the players, initiated legal proceedings against MTN Uganda, alleging breach of contract and infringement of intellectual property rights.

After a thorough review of the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, the court ruled in favor of the Proline Soccer Academy, ordering MTN Uganda to pay UGX 1 billion in damages for the unauthorized use of the players’ image rights.

The ruling serves as a reminder to corporations and sponsors of the legal and ethical obligations associated with sports marketing and endorsement agreements.

The UGX 1 billion award represents not only compensation for the financial losses incurred by the Proline Soccer Academy but also serves as a deterrent against future violations of athletes’ image rights.

The court’s decision reaffirms the importance of respecting the dignity and autonomy of athletes and upholding the integrity of sports marketing practices.

As Uganda’s sporting landscape continues to evolve, the ruling sets a precedent for greater accountability and transparency in sponsorship agreements and highlights the need for clear guidelines and protocols governing the use of athletes’ image rights. It also underscores the role of the judiciary in safeguarding the interests of athletes and ensuring that they are treated fairly and equitably in the commercialization of sports.

Moving forward, the verdict serves as a call to action for all stakeholders in the sports industry to prioritize the protection of athletes’ rights and to foster a culture of respect and fairness in sports marketing and sponsorship practices.

By upholding ethical standards and promoting responsible engagement, the sports community can ensure that athletes receive the recognition and compensation they deserve for their contributions to the game.