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Team Sponsorship Agreements

Can a player refuse to wear a sponsored kit?

Generally no. Players are contractually obliged to wear the team kit. Exceptions may apply for religious reasons, but these must be negotiated carefully.

What if the sponsor damages the club's image?

The club should include a "Reverse Morality Clause" allowing termination if the sponsor gets involved in a scandal (e.g., environmental disaster, fraud).

Do sponsors get access to player data?

Performance data is sensitive. Sponsors can access anonymized data, but personal medical or GPS data sharing requires player consent and strict GDPR compliance.

Can I sponsor just one match?

Yes, "Match Day Sponsorship" is a common package, offering high visibility for a single game without a long-term commitment.

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Team Sponsorship Agreements are the foundation of a sports club's financial stability. This is an agreement between a club and a business, where the club offers advertising space (on kits, in the stadium, on social media), and the sponsor provides funding. Modern team sponsorship is much more than just placing a logo on a jersey; it is a partnership involving fan engagement, database sharing, and joint social projects. The lawyer's role is to ensure that the club does not sell "more rights than it has" (e.g., violating league regulations) and that the sponsor's obligations are firm and guaranteed.

What Does the Team Sponsorship Service Cover?

Our service ensures the protection of both clubs' and sponsors' interests:

  • Shirt Sponsorship: Main sponsor agreement, with the logo placed in the center of the kit. Regulating size, color, and placement rules according to UEFA/FIFA standards.
  • Stadium Advertising: Conditions for placing LED boards (Perimeter Boards) and static banners.
  • Digital Partnership: Placing sponsor content on the club's social networks (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
  • Player Involvement: Using team members in sponsor advertising campaigns (group photos, video commercials).
  • Bonuses and Sanctions: Additional payments for success (winning the championship) and reduction for failure (relegation).

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

Common legal issues in team sponsorship include:

  • Relegation: The club dropped to a lower league. The sponsor wants to reduce payment or terminate the contract. The lawyer regulates the Relegation Clause.
  • Player Refusal: A star player refuses to participate in a sponsor's event due to personal religious or ethical reasons. A compromise needs to be found.
  • Rebranding: The club changed colors, which the sponsor dislikes. The lawyer checks if the sponsor had veto rights.
  • Payment Schedule Breach: The sponsor is late with a tranche. The club needs money for salaries. The lawyer uses legal leverage to obtain the funds.

Georgian Legal Framework

Team sponsorship is based on the "Civil Code" and the "Law on Advertising". Additionally, the National League (or relevant championship) regulations are of utmost importance, strictly defining where and what size advertising is allowed on kits and in the stadium. The lawyer ensures that the club's individual contract does not contradict the league's centralized rights.

Process: How a Specialist Works

Lawyer involvement implies:

  1. Inventory: Auditing the club's advertising spaces.
  2. Drafting: Preparing a contract that considers all scenarios (both success and failure).
  3. Coordination: Agreeing with the league/federation (e.g., approving kit design).

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge offers access to lawyers experienced in working with sports clubs. We know how to balance the club's financial needs and the sponsor's marketing goals. With our help, your partnership will be solid and legally sound.

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Specialists for this service

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