The Secretariat of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) has issued an official statement clarifying the commercial rights surrounding matchday accolades, specifically addressing the presentation of ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Match’ awards.
According to the notice released by the league organisers, all official matchday award properties form part of the centrally controlled commercial rights owned exclusively by the UPL.
“Clubs are requested to refrain from organising, branding, presenting or commercially associating any Man of the Match unless specifically authorised by the UPL secretariat,” the statement partly reads.
Under the new clarification, member clubs have been instructed to refrain from organising, branding, presenting, or commercially associating any Man of the Match or Player of the Match awards during official UPL matchdays without explicit authorisation from the UPL Secretariat.
League officials emphasised that this decision is intended to protect the integrity and commercial value of these properties, as the league actively packages and prepares its official matchday awards for prospective corporate sponsors.
While direct matchday presentations are now restricted, the UPL noted that clubs remain free to recognise and reward their individual players internally.
However, the league recommends that clubs position such internal honors separately, such as a Club Player of the Month award and present them entirely outside of official UPL matchday environments.
These club-level presentations must not take place on the pitch, in interview or media zones, or within any other league-controlled matchday spaces in a manner that could be interpreted as an official UPL award.
The UPL Secretariat expressed appreciation for the cooperation of all clubs as they collectively work toward growing the commercial value of Ugandan football.
For further clarification, stakeholders and potential partners have been directed to reach out to the league’s marketing department via email.
