Doubt over new sponsors for Docklands Stadium

The planned new sponsorship of Melbourneâs Docklands Stadium by Etihad Airways, currently known as the Telstra Dome, has been cast into doubt.
According to reports in Melbourneâs Herald Sun newspaper, the AFL disagrees with the management of the Docklands stadium over naming rights at the venue, the newspaper reporting that âthe AFL will argue its contract with the stadium was breached when Ian Collins, Chief Executive of Telstra Dome, (recently) announced Etihad had been awarded naming rights from 2009.�?
The Herald Sun claimed that this is âthe latest development to reveal souring in the AFL-Telstra Dome relationship, the league ⦠preparing to use the courts to thwart plans to have the venue next year named after a United Arab Emirates-based airline.�?
The newspaper continued that the âAFL, which will own outright the stadium by 2025, will argue a clause in the contract decrees that it must be asked for approval before naming rights are granted.�?
The AFL is also believed to be concerned that Abu Dhabi-based Etihadâs sponsorship will conflict with Collingwoodâs sponsorship by Dubai-based Emirates Airlines.
The Herald Sun also reported that âthe AFL issued an email to all clubs last week urging them to continue referring to the venue as Telstra Dome.�?