Branding policy nears completion

Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The special committee that was formed to lead discussions around the formulation of a branding and marketing policy for the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has completed its task and The Gleaner understands that the document is now in the possession of president Captain Horace Burrell.

JFF vice-president Dale Spencer, who served as the chairman for the committee, confirmed yesterday morning that they had finished deliberation and that the document has been handed over to Burrell, who will now determine the way forward along with the other members of the JFF board.

The document is expected to regulate commercial partnerships between local clubs and their sponsors in the wake of several high-profile skirmishes, particularly among rival telecommunication companies, which saw arguments over sponsorship entitlements and rights.

Four-time national champions Tivoli Gardens, who are sponsored by Digicel, were embroiled in a tussle recently after they failed to come to an agreement with the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) over the displaying of the Digicel advertising boards at their Edward Seaga Sports Complex home ground during a Claro-sponsored competition.

In 2009, there was an impasse over the use of logos on referee kits. Claro is KSAFA's main sponsor in a deal said to be worth $100 million, while Digicel has pumped in even more as an official sponsor of the JFF.

LIME has also invested heavily in football in recent times, pumping $15 million in the St Catherine Football Association.

The branding document was originally expected to be ready before the end of November, but an extension was granted by Burrell.