Dongfeng Nissan, a sponsor of Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao Football Club, has sued the club for changing shirt sponsors for the final game of the AFC Asian cup on November 21st, according to a report posted yesterday. 

As reported by Sohu Sports, the case came before Guangzhou Huadu People's Court last Wednesday ( December 9th).

Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company, a joint venture founded in 2002, is claiming compensation for the loss of RMB 32.441 million and discharges itself from the payment of RMB 24 million due in accordance with their sponsorship deal.

As cited by media reports at the beginning of November, Evergrande had asked for a buy-back of the shirt sponsorship rights from Nissan. They were turned down by the motor company. 

However, without the agreement of its advertising partner, the club changed its shirt advertisement to Evergrande Life Insurance for the second leg of the final, when they defeated the UAE's Al Ahli 1-0 in Guangzhou.

Source: Sohu Sports

Proofread by John Devlin