Fans of Arsenal Football Club, the world over, may still be licking their wounds after the sale of their former captain Robin van Persie to their fierce English Premier League rivals Manchester United. Back in Africa, the rivalry may be taken to a whole different altitude as there is a possibility that the sale might have implications on for telecom giants Airtel and Globacom.
In June this year, Arsenal signed a lucrative deal with Airtel which allows the African telecommunications company utilise the club’s merchandising, hospitality and content rights in five markets: Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana and Uganda.
The partnership has since blossomed with Arsenal sending three players to Nigeria to partake in events organised by Airtel after the club failed to come to the country for a proposed tour.
More so, several Airtel billboards with Arsenal players, and most notably Robin van Persie, adorn the streets of Lagos and other cities.
However, Airtel’s rivals Globacom do have an existing partnership with Manchester United as its integrated telecommunications partner in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic.
With van Persie crossing to divide to join United, Airtel may probably change its billboards and posters as it could result in a conflict of interest with Globacom. For now, it cannot be ascertained if Airtel plan to so and if Globacom plan any action. Ventures Africa will keep you updated as the plot unfurls.