Aegon says 'no damage' to brand following Nalbandian disqualification

Tennis sponsor Aegon says there is "no damage" to its brand, despite the final of yesterday's Aegon championships ending in controversy, when David Nalbandian was disqualified for kicking an advertising panel into a line judge's leg.

Ian Murray: head of sponsorship and events at Aegon
Ian Murray: head of sponsorship and events at Aegon

The financial services company signed a five-year deal with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in 2008, believed to be worth around £25m a year.

As part of the commercial partnership, Aegon became the headline sponsor of the pre-Wimbledon tournament at Queen's Club in West London, which was renamed the Aegon Championships.

In yesterday's final, the crowd was left fuming after the referee ruled Nalbandian had to forfeit the match, mid-way through the encounter, because he injured an official.

The match was being televised live by the BBC.

Speaking to Marketing, Ian Murray, head of sponsorship and events at Aegon, said: "This is not bad news for us. Things happen in sport. What you have seen in the media is that this was the right decision [to disqualify Nalbandian].

"From a sponsor's point of view, I am disappointed about the final and it is not great for sports. But I don't think there is any damage to our brand."

Murray added that the incident would not have any impact on the LTA's sponsorship agreement with Aegon.

Follow John Reynolds on Twitter


Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Advertising Intelligence Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content