GAA must not compromise on ethical sponsorship for International rules

Issued : Monday 6 November, 2006

GAA must not compromise on ethical sponsorship for International Rules Series, say Boycott Coke Campaign

GAA fans are being asked to show Coca-Cola the red card at this weekend's International Rules second test in Croke Park on the basis of the company's crimes in Colombia and India. The Colombia Solidarity Network, who are organising the handing out of thousands of referee-type red cards stating "Show Coke the Red Card" to fans, have called on the GAA to review its sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola with immediate effect.

Ireland has been to the forefront of a huge international movement against Coca-Cola on the basis of its record in the two countries, leading to sales boycotts in a number of colleges, such as UCD, Trinity College and NCAD, and support for the campaign from other trade unions and political groups. Now the Network has asked GAA fans and members to support the campaign at the match and in their clubs across the country.

 

In Colombia, Coke managers have worked with terrorist gangs to attack trade unions in their bottling plants. Eight workers have been killed and hundreds threatened with violence - all so Coke can cut its wage bill and make bigger profits. In India, Coke has polluted land and dried up water supplies, forcing rural people to travel miles to get fresh water.

 

"The GAA is right to be proud of its non-commercial spirit," said Karen O'Connell, an activist in the Boycott Coke Campaign. "All over the country, people work hard to keep clubs going for no reward - just the love of sport. But that spirit is tainted when the GAA accepts sponsorship money off Coca-Cola. Coke is a company with a shocking record of abusing its workers and devastating communities all over the world."

"Workers and communities in Colombia and India have called for a boycott of Coke products until they clean up their act and start respecting human rights," stated Oisín Dolan, another activist in the campaign. " GAA supporters can help them by calling for an ethical approach to sponsorship. The GAA doesn't need Coke's blood money."

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Karen O'Connell - 087-8918809 - koconnell2 AT gmail.com

Oisín Dolan - 087-9153106 - oisin.dolan3 AT mail.dcu.ie

 

Further background on the campaign is available at www.killercoke.org