LOC Extends Deadline for Submission of Merchandising Rights

Accra, Aug 16, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations has extended the deadline for the submission of bids for the exclusive licenses for next year's soccer fiesta to August 31, 2007.

The extension of the deadline is based on the overwhelming public interest especially from abroad.

Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the LOC in a release copied to the GNA Sports reminded individuals and manufacturers interested in obtaining the exclusive licenses for the production of merchandising that bears the logo, mascot, theme and insignia associated with the tournament to submit their applications to the LOC Secretariat latest the last day of August before 17.00 GMT.

He said prospective licensees are expected to pay a licensing fee ranging from 10,000 dollars to 500,000 dollars for the over 104 range of products.

Mr Danquah also asked prospective licensees to attach application letters to their proposals in respect of the exclusive license. "Prospective licensees must also demonstrate an ability to meet and maintain quality control standards, provide detailed financial strategy to justify the granting of license, and detailed marketing plan specifying the target market, price, distribution, promotion and strategy for marketing the product."

The items include T-Shirts, Polo Shirts, Baseball Caps, fridge magnet stickers, umbrellas, pennants, mugs, earrings, badges, mobile phone holders, branded hand bags cuff links, bracelets, necklaces calendars and stationery among others.

The LOC has within the past weeks embarked on visits around the country in their quest to clamp down on the illegal sale of paraphernalia related to the tournament.