NPFL threatens legal action against Infinix for unapproved marketing

Gbenga Elegbeleye has criticised Infinix for devaluing the NPFL by violating the league’s marketing regulations by awarding mobile phones as MOTM gifts.

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have issued a warning to companies engaging in unauthorised marketing activities within the league.

Gbenga Elegbeleye, the NPFL Chairman, called out consumer electronics company Infinix for its Man-of-the-Match (MOTM) initiative, which he claims directly violates the league’s marketing regulations.

“Last week we had cause to circulate a memo to all clubs to regularise their marketing activities by adhering to the process spelt out in our Framework and Rules,” Elegbeleye said after the NPFL 2024/25 Matchday three on Sunday, September 22.

“The reason for the general caution was that pictures and videos of the Man-of-the-Match presentation were circulated showing Infinix, a brand not affiliated with the NPFL. The same company was also in Jos to illegally present an award at the end of Matchday 3 between Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes.

“We may have no option but to take legal steps to protect our league assets from this type of underhanded marketing,” he said.

He also criticised the initiative for devaluing the NPFL, while reiterating that the league would not hesitate to take legal measures if necessary.

“Sporadic presentations of cheap mobile devices devalue the league and will not be allowed to continue. Any club that facilitates this illegal activity will face stiff sanctions,” Elegbeleye warned.

Meanwhile, Infinix’s return as Enyimba’s partner for MOTM performance was confirmed by the club ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) preliminary stage clash against Étoile Filante on Sunday, September 22. The company has been gifting mobile phones to the Elephants’s standout players since the 2023/24 season and awarded this season’s first to Nathaniel Asibe for his heroics in Enyimba’s penalty shootout victory over Filante in their CAFCC group stage decider at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

Kanu Nwanko, Enyimba’s chairman, championed the partnership to “motivate the players with the best standard practice as is obtainable in Europe,” according to a statement released by the club in November 2023.

“The deal with our partners sponsoring the award will see the winner getting an Infinix phone worth about three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) for every of our home games. Same gesture will also be given to the player that will emerge as the player of the month every month,” Kanu said.