Togo sign Puma deal

MUNICH (GoPharaohs.com) - Togo becomes the latest African national team to sign a kit sponsorship deal with German-based Puma.

There was confusion when Puma suddenly abandoned its sponsorship deal with Egypt late in 2004, but it became clear the sportswear giants had other aims in the region when it signed 2002 World Cup finalists Senegal to a deal earlier this year.

Shortly after landing Senegal, Puma signed a kit deal with up-and-comers Cote d’Ivoire, who appear bound for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Germany. The new contracts bring the number of teams in Africa wearing Puma to five (Cameroon, Tunisia, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo).

Adidas officially assumed the role of Egypt’s kit provider in January of this year, out-bidding other companies for the rights. Nigeria is the other African federation officially affiliated with Adidas, signing a contract to replace Nike in 2004. Adidas says it feels it now sponsors the preeminent teams of both north and sub-saharan Africa in the Pharaohs and Super Eagles.

Puma’s contract with Togo is set to stand for two years, with an annual option for renewal through 2010. The Hawks will debut its new Puma kits at the 2006 African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt in January.

Puma will also provide financial and technical assistance to facilities in Togo.

It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian Football Association’s (EFA) contract with Puma was not nullified. Puma apparently wanted to exercise its annual renewal option starting in 2006 if the team qualified for the World Cup, which it did not. Puma’s contract will take precidence and the company can re-assume its role as Egypt’s kit provider starting in January of any year through the duration of the contract. The contract is said to last until 2010.