​Australian Olympic Committee takes legal action against Telstra

The Australian Olympic Committee has initiated legal action in the Federal Court against Telstra over misleading advertising ahead of the Rio Olympic Games next month.

The AOC has taken issue with Telstra’s “I go to Rio” marketing campaign, which it regards as “clear attempt to deceive Australians.” In 2015, Telstra and the AOC mutually decided not to continue their long standing partnership.

The AOC said in a statement on Saturday that it relies on commercial partners to fund the Olympic teams that represent Australia at the Olympic Games, Olympic Winter Games, and Youth Olympic Games.

“Without them, we would not be in a position to send 410 athletes to the Olympic Games in Rio. Commercial partners also help the AOC promote Olympic values and programs throughout the country on a year-round basis,” the statement said.

“Unfortunately, some companies try to mislead the Australian public into believing they support the Australian Olympic Team or have an involvement with the Olympic movement when they don’t.”

The AOC said that despite repeated attempts for co-operation with the telco, it has been left with no choice but to seek appropriate legal measures in the Federal Court.

“To be clear, Telstra is not a sponsor of Australia’s Olympic Team and has official role with this Olympic Movement,” the statement said.

“The AOC is grateful for the support of its true, valued partners and defends its right to protect them, as well as the Worldwide Olympic Partners secured by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“We do not propose to comment further on the case at this stage,” the AOC said.