BRAZIL icon Cafu is reportedly preparing to sue his former club Roma and Qatar Airways for allegedly violating his image rights. The legendary right-back, 53, made 217 appearances for Roma between 1997 and 2003.
Cafu won two World Cups with Brazil in 1994 and 2002. But Football Italia is now claiming he is seeking to take the Italian giants to court. And the Brazil hero is said to be seeking £10 million in compensation. The date for the final attempt at conciliation is understood to have been set for November 17. But if an agreement is not reached then Cafu is expected to take Roma and Qatar Airways to court.
The row began in 2019 when Cafu agreed to take part in a Roma testimonial as part of a sponsorship deal with the airline. He also flew out to Poland where a safety video was filmed with the Brazilian. Cafu, who helped Roma win their last Serie A title in 2001, reportedly asked his representatives, Vincenzo Aliotta, to agree a payment from Roma. It is alleged the club delayed this payment on numerous occasions.
The Serie A side then had a change of ownership in 2020 before Cafu received any form of payment. The two-time World Cup winner was reluctant to pursue legal action against Roma because of his love for the club. But he has now pursued it as he seeks £10m in damages. This relates to “the 46-month period in which the commercial was broadcast and his usual sponsorship deals”. Qatar Airways were Roma’s shirt sponsors between 2018 and 2021.
The legal battle between Cafu and his former club Roma and Qatar Airways has gained attention in recent weeks. Cafu, a football legend known for his exceptional skills as a right-back, is claiming that his image rights were violated by the club and the airline. He is seeking £10 million in compensation for the alleged infringement.
Cafu’s association with Roma dates back to his playing days, where he made a significant impact on the team. He played for the club between 1997 and 2003, making 217 appearances. During his time at Roma, he helped the team win their last Serie A title in 2001. His contributions on the field and his popularity among fans have made him an iconic figure in the club’s history.
The dispute between Cafu and Roma began in 2019 when he agreed to participate in a testimonial event organized by the club. This event was part of a sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, who were the shirt sponsors for Roma between 2018 and 2021. As part of the agreement, Cafu flew to Poland to film a safety video with the airline.
However, Cafu claims that Roma delayed the payment agreed upon for his participation in the testimonial. The payment was repeatedly postponed, causing frustration and dissatisfaction for the football legend. The situation worsened when Roma underwent a change in ownership in 2020, further delaying any form of payment to Cafu.
Despite his love for the club, Cafu has decided to pursue legal action against Roma and Qatar Airways. He believes that his image rights were violated during the 46-month period in which the commercial featuring him was broadcast. This period overlaps with his usual sponsorship deals, which he claims were affected by the alleged infringement.
The legal battle between Cafu and his former club highlights the importance of image rights in modern football. Players’ images are valuable assets that can generate significant revenue through endorsements and sponsorships. Protecting these rights is crucial for players to maintain control over their image and ensure fair compensation for its use.
The outcome of this case will have implications not only for Cafu but also for other footballers and athletes who rely on their image rights for financial stability. It will set a precedent for how clubs and sponsors handle these rights and the consequences they may face if they fail to respect them.
As the legal proceedings continue, Cafu remains determined to seek justice and secure the compensation he believes he is entitled to. His decision to take legal action against his beloved former club demonstrates his commitment to protecting his image rights and upholding the principles of fairness and respect in the world of football.
In conclusion, Cafu’s legal battle against Roma and Qatar Airways highlights the importance of image rights in football. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for players and athletes who rely on their image for endorsements and sponsorships. Cafu’s pursuit of justice serves as a reminder that players should be compensated fairly for the use of their image and that clubs and sponsors must respect these rights.