European football's governing body UEFA has warned players at Euro 2020 they have contractual obligations towards sponsors and say teams could be fined if merchandise is removed during press conferences or games.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo got the ball rolling on Monday, 14 June, when he removed two bottles of Coca-Cola from the table in front of him during a post-match press conference and suggested people drink water instead.
.@UEFA reminded teams participating in #EURO2020 that they have contractual obligations toward tournament sponsors https://t.co/AQyGYBkFd1 pic.twitter.com/mW12Ek0bXR
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) June 17, 2021
Manuel Locatelli, who scored two goals for Italy in their victory over Switzerland on Wednesday, 16 June, substituted Coca-Cola with water when talking to reporters after the game.
🗣"Any coke?" 🤣#SCO John McGinn paying tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after he removed 2 bottles of Coca-Cola before his #POR press conference the other day @jmcginn7 pic.twitter.com/dykFqWAao5
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 17, 2021
On Thursday, 17 June, UEFA put out a statement in which it reminded players that it had contracts in place with a variety of sponsors.
The statement said: “UEFA has reminded participating teams that partnerships are integral to the delivery of the tournament and to ensuring the development of football across Europe, including for youth and women.”
Going to my #euro2020 press conference like my brothers @Cristiano and @paulpogba 😂 ♥️🔥 🤷♂️ #ilovethisgame #positive4evra #savage pic.twitter.com/puty1erzk8
— Patrice Evra (@Evra) June 17, 2021
UEFA's Euro 2020 tournament director Martin Kallen said: "We have regulations signed by the participating federations. We have reminded them of their obligations but of course this (fining) is always a possibility.”
But he accepted there were exceptions: “If it is for religious reasons, they don't need to have a bottle there.”
