FA Resolves Umbro And Nike Row

The FA has been forced to step in to resolve a dispute between Nike and Umbro
over the latter’s promotional use of England players according to media reports.

The supposed row took place over Umbro’s proposed utilisation of Wayne
Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Robinson in promotions for the launch of the new
England home kit, all of whom are individually endorsed by Nike.

Umbro’s contract with the FA dictates that use of England players must only
be in groups of four in order to protect players’ individual sponsorships.

Nike was concerned that Umbro’s photography of the England stars was done in
a way in which the pictures could be easily cropped and that the brand had plans
to use single shots of Rooney for in-store promotions.

The FA was forced to intervene in the row which has now been resolved with
both Nike and Umbro reaching a compromise over the promotion for the launch,
scheduled to take place on 8 February.