Central Dabaris board removes major sponsor

Sports

THE Papua New National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has confirmed the termination of Vitis Industries as naming rights sponsors of Central Dabaris.
PNGNRLC chairman Adrian Chow confirmed this in a statement following a board meeting earlier this week.
Chow said a letter was sent to Dabaris chairman Keith Iduhu on Wednesday advising him of the PNGNRLC board’s decision on Tuesday that the company’s sponsorship under their brand ‘Fortuna Fresh’ was terminated with immediate effect.
“The Dabaris board wrote to us on May 9 advising of the company’s withdrawal of sponsorship,” Chow said.
“Some of my board members met with the Dabaris board and their sponsor to hear each party’s views and grievances in mediation process that meeting concluded without any resolution.”
He said following the meeting, there were publications on social media by the sponsor on associating its alcohol brand with the franchise.
“During the bid process, PNGNRLC explained to representatives of Dabaris and the sponsor requirements relating to product category branding exclusivity to current PNGNRLC platinum sponsor, and conditions relating to same were set out in the participation agreement,” Chow said.
He added that the sposnor had not signed a sponsorship agreement with Dabaris.
“Therefore our view is that any verbal agreement or understanding was terminated in writing by the Central Dabaris board on May 9,” he said. “And we will go with that decision.”
Chow said as a consequence, all branding of “Fortuna Fresh” would be removed from the uniforms before Round 8 on Sunday.
He said the sponsor should not hold itself out as being associated with the PNGNRLC-managed Digicel Cup competition in future.
“I have requested Dabaris chairman Iduhu submit a report by June 7 on any new sponsors, evidence of financial resources and liabilities and a budget in the short term.”
Chow directed PNGNRLC manager Stanley Hondina to meet with the Dabaris management to assist with player welfare issues.
“It is our job to manage a competition that is played by 12 teams,” Chow said.
“It is our job to ensure a safe and competitive environment for all teams to compete in and we will do anything within our power to ensure that happens week in week out. “We expect the Dabaris to sort their in-house issue and field a competitive side on Sunday and for the rest of the season,” Chow said.
He urged all franchises and their sponsors to settle any disagreements internally.
“Any disagreements and differences must be sorted out internally.
“When it gets out in public, this brings the game and competition into disrepute.”