Oly: SOCOG and Reebok back in court next year

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-1999
Oly: SOCOG and Reebok back in court next year

SYDNEY, Dec 17 AAP - Global sporting goods manufacturer Reebok and Sydney Olympics
organisers will return to the New South Wales Supreme Court next year in an action over
an alleged breach of contract.

Lawyers for Reebok and SOCOG appeared in court today to set a timetable to hear allegations
by the sporting goods giant that SOCOG has breached its contract.

Reebok claims SOCOG entered into conflicting arrangements with competitors Bonds and Canterbury.

The company is angry that SOCOG decided to issue its staff with Bonds baseball caps
and allowed Canterbury to sell rugby tops as part of its Olympic merchandise program.

Reebok claims that it contracted to be the official sports brand of the Sydney Olympics
and the exclusive supplier of sports brand products to SOCOG, the Australian Olympic Committee
and the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee, in a deal worth $10 million.

Reebok terminated its sponsorship deal with SOCOG over the issue.

Justice James Rolfe ordered a directions hearing be held on March 31 next year.

SOCOG barrister Andrew Bell told the court that SOCOG would counter-sue Reebok for damages.

AAP gl/tsm/jjs/wjj/bwl

KEYWORD: OLY REEBOK

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