Tanzania's striker John Bocco wins UGX 298 million from betting company

Tanzania's star striker John Bocco has been awarded a substantial payout of Tshs 200 million (approximately UGX 298 million) from the betting company, Princes Leisure.

The dispute stemmed from the unauthorized use of John Bocco's photograph in Princes Leisure's advertising campaign, a usage that occurred without Bocco's explicit consent.

Initially, Bocco had demanded a staggering Tshs 1 billion as compensation for this breach of his image rights.

Additionally, he maintained that he was entitled to a Tshs 25 million royalty payment for the duration his image was utilized in the betting company's advertisements.

The contentious advertisement in question contained the statement, “The entertainment of NBC continues today with three matches. The big one is Simba who will be visitors to the Ruvu Shooting in Mwanza at CCM Kirumba. Money time is back.”

This advertisement which included Bocco’s not only sparked a legal battle but also captured widespread attention, both nationally and internationally.

Bocco's legal representation argued that Princes Leisure's unapproved use of Bocco's image had not only violated his personal rights but also implied an early termination of his contract with the football club, Simba.

Such an assumption could potentially have led to disciplinary action by the club.

The court ruling brings even more joy for the striker who helped his nation qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This remarkable feat was sealed in a hard-fought goalless draw against Algeria at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba in a thrilling finale to Group F Thursday night.

Bocco was a late substitution for the Taifa Stars as they held on against Algeria on Thursday night to guarantee qualification to the AFCON for the third time in history.

This achievement marks Tanzania's return to the AFCON stage after a hiatus since 2019 and the third time in their history.

Their previous appearances were at the 1980 edition held in Lagos, Nigeria and at the 2019 AFCON held in Egypt.