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NLJ this week: UEFA tackles ambush marketing as women’s Euros kick off

11 July 2025
Issue: 8124 / Categories: Legal News , Marketing , Sports law
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Professor Ian Blackshaw, international sports lawyer and CAS member, warns in NLJ this week that ambush marketing is set to shadow the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland

As women’s football attracts growing global investment, opportunistic brands may attempt to associate with the tournament without paying for official sponsorship. UEFA defines ambush marketing as any unauthorised activity that falsely implies affiliation—ranging from unauthorised use of logos to rogue advertising near stadiums. Swiss law lacks specific anti-ambush provisions, but general unfair competition rules apply. UEFA counters the threat with strict ticket terms, exclusive advertising rights, and broadcaster restrictions. Even players can unwittingly breach rules by promoting personal sponsors.

With the sports sponsorship market booming, Blackshaw urges organisers to be as creative in enforcement as marketers are in evasion. The message to marketers: play fair, or face the legal consequences.
Issue: 8124 / Categories: Legal News , Marketing , Sports law
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