German sportwear manufacturing giant, PUMA has ended its four-year contract with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
According to PUMA, the termination of the deal was a result of Nigeria’s athletes’ inability to wear the brand at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
PUMA terminated the contract in a letter dated Wednesday, August 4, 2021, and signed by the company’s director Manuel Edlheimb.
In the letter of termination of Sponsoring and Licensing Agreement, issued on Wednesday PUMA said, “we are referring to the licensing and sponsoring agreement signed between our company and your federation”.
“As a direct consequence of the recent developments, particularly at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and pursuant to clauses 9.2 and 7.3 of the Agreement, we hereby terminate the Agreement with immediate effect.
“PUMA especially declares to be discharged from any or all obligations towards all stakeholders involved and reserves all rights against these entities and individuals,”
The termination of the deal comes amidst an alleged leadership tussle between the Ibrahim Gusau-led AFN board and that headed by the Minister for Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare.
Consequently, the minister is said to have vowed that the Nigerian Athletes will not wear the PUMA kits.
