Gabadinho Mhango and Gallants in legal battle over his image rights

Malawian striker wants his club to pay over R800k

- By Ngwako Malatji

Malawian international footballer Gabadinho Mhango and his club, Marumo Gallants, are embroiled in a bitter legal battle over his image rights, with the club issuing what is believed to be threats to expel him from the team over the matter.

Mhango is demanding more than R800000 plus interest from the club for exploiting his image rights to promote, market and advertise the fixtures of the team on social media platforms ahead of its matches.

News of Mhango and Gallants' image rights dispute came to the fore when the fast-footed striker took his club to the Johannesburg High Court, where he seeks an order to force the team to pay him the quantum.

Mhango said he believes the court would give him the relief he seeks after the PSL's national dispute resolution committee refused to hear his case on February 14, saying he should take the legal route because it did not have jurisdiction to preside over the case.

In the court papers, which we have seen, the former Orlando Pirates forward said as a professional footballer, he enjoys the benefit of commercially exploiting his image and signature rights, which include the use of his name, photograph, reputation, signature, initials, nickname and voice.