Pugilist Vijender Singh’s multi-crore image contract with Percept could run in to a spot of bother. Mumbai-based Infinity Optimal Solutions, which is currently managing the commercial contracts of Singh, has threatened to take legal action against him and Percept for breach of contract.
Infinity said that it has a 10-year contract with Singh, which prohibits him from entering into any business deal without its consent. In return, Infinity said it is supposed to get Singh brand endorsement deals, television appearances and other media opportunities to boost his public image.
“I am shocked to hear the news. Percept has not spoken to us or informed us about the deal. If Singh is doing this for money, it is very unethical and illegal as it is in breach of his agreement with Infinity. I will take legal action against all parties involved including Singh,” Infinity CEO Neerav Tomar told Business Standard from Milan, Italy.
On Friday, Percept had said that it had roped in Singh to promote the fast emerging genre called “action sports” and to be its icon. Shortly afterwards, Singh lost his semi-final match in the World Boxing Championship in Italy. He will get a bronze medal for his performance.
When asked to comment, Percept Joint Managing Director Shailender Singh said in a text message: “That’s between them (Infinity) and Singh …it has nothing to do with us.”
In the recent past, Percept has got into legal issues with some sportspersons it has managed. It has fought in court cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh when they opted for a different sports management firms.
In the case of Singh, sources said top executives of Percept are now in Milan to meet him and seal the contract. “It is not a brand endorsement deal. We are committed to make investments in “action sports” which is fast catching up and we will use him as an icon for that,” Singh had told Business Standard on Friday. Percept is likely to put Singh on a reality show of a leading broadcaster, to begin with.