Cellular operator Vodacom declined the offer to become a global sponsor of the 2010 World Cup, just as rival MTN announced it accepted FIFA`s offer to invest R462 million to become one of the core sponsors of the event.
"We had the first offer for this, but we declined the opportunity," says Vodacom group executive of corporate communications, Dot Field.
Despite MTN claiming it will have exclusive rights to broadcast the matches to cellphones, Field says there is no change to the existing contracts which should allow all three South African operators to bring the games to cellphones via digital video broadcasting via handheld (DVB-H) and 3G.
"But 2010 is a long way away - anything can happen in that time," she says.
High costs
She notes the cost of sponsorship is so high South African Breweries has declined the FIFA offer.
Vodacom sponsors the Newlands and Loftus Versfeld stadiums, but Field says Vodacom`s presence at these venues would have to be removed if either stadium is used for World Cup fixtures. "FIFA requires all stadiums to be 'clear` [of existing advertising]," she explains.
Speaking at the announcement of the MTN deal in Johannesburg last night, CEO Phuthuma Nhleko said this makes MTN the first African company to become a global sponsor for the FIFA event.
Confusion?
Linda Vermaas, CEO of M-Mobile (the division established by MultiChoice to manage its DVB-H), says it would be premature to comment about 2010 broadcasting rights.
"We are happy with our relationship with MTN," she states, adding Vodacom and Cell C will be able to broadcast the matches via DVB-H to their subscribers, using MultiChoice as the content provider.
"Our agreements with the three operators remain unchanged," she says.
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