The Lithuanian National Olympic Committee has turned to the International Olympic Committee, asking whether Sabonis’ involvement in Lidl’s advertising campaign does not violate the Olympic charter.
Rule 40 of the charter states that images of Olympic athletes, coaches and other official participants cannot be used to promote companies that are not partners of the Olympics during the games.
The ban starts nine days before the opening, that is on July 27, and ends three days after the event, August 24.
Sabonis is going to Rio de Janeiro as an official member of the Lithuanian Olympic delegation, while Lidl is not a sponsor of the games.
As a result, the chain may have to suspend its promotional campaign with Sabonis during the Olympics.
“We have discussed the issue with the president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation and have asked the International Olympic Committee for its position. Once we have their written response, we will know if Lidl advertising campaign is subject to the restrictions in the Rule 40 of the Olympic charter,” said Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, president of the Lithuanian Olympic Committee.
Be the first to comment