Euro 2016 sponsor Chinese electronics firm Hisense is "embroiled in controversy over an advertisement." Its slogan, "Hisense, China's No.1 TV Brand," has "sparked debate over truth in advertising, with some accusing the Qingdao-based company of violating China's advertising laws by using the term 'No.1.'" But others defended the ad, saying that it is "in France, which does not violate that country's advertising laws." One Internet user posted, "At least Hisense does better than the Chinese national soccer team; they appear on a major world soccer tournament" (GLOBAL TIMES, 6/15).
FRESH ROAST: Championship side Norwich City announced on Wednesday that the former Jarrold Stand at Carrow Road "will be renamed as the South Stand sponsored by The Galway Roast." The club decided to end its 12-year partnership with Jarrold, "who had sponsored the South Stand" since its £8M redevelopment. The Galway Roast will be sponsoring the South Stand, while also supplying its coffee "to all hospitality areas and matchday kiosks inside Carrow Road." The official opening of the South Stand sponsored by The Galway Roast "will take place before the Canaries' pre-season friendly against Coventry City on July 26" (EASTERN DAILY PRESS, 6/15).
GLOBAL BENZ AMBASSADOR: Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday announced an endorsement deal with golfer Rickie Fowler, who will wear the automaker's logo for the first time this week at the U.S. Open at Oakmont. The deal was struck by Wasserman and Fowler's agent, Sam MacNaughton. Fowler joins fellow golfers Martin Kaymer and Bernhard Langer as Mercedes-Benz global brand ambassadors. The company also has sponsorship deals with The Masters, PGA of America and British Open. Engine Shop is the sports marketing agency for Mercedes-Benz (THE DAILY).
ZIMBABWE TELECOM DEAL: The National FA of Zimbabawe has "sealed a major sponsorship deal" with telecom NetOne. NetOne will support the NFAZ, "as it attempts to grow on the international stage, covering the Warriors, the men’s senior team, the Mighty Warriors, the women’s senior team, and the Young Warriors, the country’s youth teams." The deal "comes just days after the Mighty Warriors qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games" (SOCCEREX, 6/14).
MARKETING BRIEFS ...
Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach agreed to a new partnership with betting provider Digibet. The company, a division of United Game Tech, signed a three-year deal with the club until the end of the '18-19 season. As a third-tier partner, Digibet will receive ad space on LED boards at home games (Borussia Mönchengladbach).
Second Bundesliga club VfL Bochum "renewed its sponsorship deal" with beer partner Moritz Fiege. The private brewery "signed a new five-year deal with the club through '20-21." Moritz Fiege previously paid an estimated €400,000 ($450,000) annually (SPONSORs, 6/15).
Precious metal dealer Rosland Capital Group unveiled its global distribution of a new collection of gold and silver coins, officially licensed by Formula One World Championship Ltd. Minted by Swiss-based PAMP S.A. and created in association with the global license-holders -- U.K.-based Stunt & Co. Ltd. -- the limited edition, legal tender proof coin collection will be available from Rosland Capital Group in the U.S. and the U.K. The official F1 collectible coins, available in one-quarter and two-and-a-half ounce formats, will come in a variety of designs and collectible packaging (Rosland Capital Group).
M&C Saatchi Merlin announced the signing of Great Britain sprinter and European champion Adam Gemili. Gemili joins fellow GB athletes Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Jodie Williams and Perri Shakes-Drayton on the M&C Saatchi Merlin roster (SPORT INDUSTRY, 6/15).
Octo Telematics announced it will be the title sponsor of this year's Silverstone FIM MotoGP World Championship -- the Octo British Grand Prix MotoGP. The agreement with series commercial promoter Dorna Sports SL sees Octo Telematics take the complete sponsorship package for the second year running (MotoGP).
