Speaking from Hong Kong, Dudley dismissed speculation that Octagon was in any form of financial trouble or that the sports marketing company had lost the support of parent company, IPG.
He also denied there was any form of bar on guarantees for certain properties – and said guarantees would be paid on a case-by-case basis.
However, intriguingly, he said the reason for pulling the backing on the recent English Premier League’s international rights in the Middle East was a case of ‘bad timing’, rather than unsuitable property, but refused to elaborate.
Said Dudley: “Guarantees are absolutely part of our arsenal. If a guarantee is needed IPG is quite willing to step up to that. We have a process to evaluate those on a case-by-case basis.
“In my mind the relationship and support [from IPG] has never been better. I am pleased with the progress we have made over the last year.
“I report now directly to David Bell [IPG chief], my participation in the management structure is frequent and quite strong, and I believe David Bell would tell you we are an important asset if not strategic asset.”
The recent reshuffle at Octagon CSI – exclusively revealed on sportbusiness.com
