World Cup: Phantom out of the PWA - Mortefon on NeilPryde, but "no sponsorship"

The PWA had suspended the French manufacturer Phantom in the run-up to the World Cup on Fuerte: "Phantom equipment is no longer authorised for PWA competitions as the brand has not met its financial obligations in terms of membership and equipment registration fees for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons," said Tour Manager Katrine Kock Frandsen. "Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue through flexible payment arrangements, no agreement could be reached."

Already registered Phantom equipment was still allowed to be used on Fuerte, Pierre Mortefon won the event with the sails. Shortly before the start of the second Slalom X event on Tenerife, the dispute appears to be escalating. "After several discussions with the PWA board, we regret to announce that Phantom is withdrawing from the PWA Tour with immediate effect. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to reach an agreement that reflects the current market realities and our values as a brand," reads a statement from Phantom CEO Alex Udin on Instagram.

PWA contradicts Phantom

In a statement issued shortly afterwards, the PWA strongly contradicted this statement: "Contrary to their public statement, this was not a voluntary withdrawal from the tour. As Phantom continued to use the PWA's competition platform and media materials despite non-payment, the PWA had no choice but to suspend Phantom's membership in order to uphold the principles of fairness and responsibility to the remaining members!" It continues: "Phantom's recent public statement omits important facts about its long-standing arrears and refusal to find workable solutions. The claim that the company is being penalised for its success misrepresents the outcome-based fee structure developed by the brands themselves to replace high flat fees with a fairer, performance-based system. Furthermore, Phantom has repeatedly utilised PWA content and branding without meeting the financial obligations associated with these rights, which is unacceptable by the common standards of the rest of the industry!"

Pierre Mortefon on Tenerife with NeilPryde sails - but no sponsorship

While the Phantom material registered before the start of the season could still be used on Fuerte - without naming the manufacturer - this is no longer permitted on Tenerife. However, top rider Pierre Mortefon already has a replacement: he will be supported by NeilPryde without further ado and will embark on his title defence mission at the second and decisive Slalom X event with the sails with the bullseye. "I'll be competing at the event in Tenerife with NeilPryde sails," Mortefon wrote on Instagram. "The last few weeks have not been easy, and to give myself the best chance in the fight for the world title, I have decided to take this step. Many thanks to the Pryde team for their responsiveness and efficiency!"

We all agree that this is not what we call sponsorship." (Official NeilPryde statement)

NeilPryde itself says of the collaboration: "As Pierre was in a difficult and uncertain situation, we sat down together and found a way to help him with NeilPryde sails. We all agree that this is not what we call sponsorship. It's an attempt to support one of the best slalom racers of the last decade to do what he does best: compete at the highest level. And we also believe that the sport will benefit from having him on the start line. We are of course keeping our fingers crossed for him and wish him the best results for the upcoming event in Tenerife. We are confident that his new NeilPryde sails will prove once again that they are ready to race and that Pierre, with all his experience, will not be held back by the fact that he has only had a few training runs with his new sails. That's the story behind Pierre and NeilPryde. Let's see what the future holds."

Phantom is primarily active in the foil sector and has sails, boards and foils in its programme. In addition to Mortefon, Nicolas Goyard was also fully equipped by the French company, while Lohan Jules only rode the foils. Where these two will go and whether Mortefon will also compete with NeilPryde sails at the next foil event on Sylt remains to be seen. The Frenchman would also have to find another board and foil supplier.

The PWA manufacturer pool

Background: Every manufacturer that equips riders for the PWA World Tour must be a member of the PWA brand pool and pay the corresponding fees. In return, the suppliers are named in the rankings and announcements, and logos and lettering may also be used. Not all brands are willing or able to pay these fees, which is why smaller labels in particular are often not represented on the tour. Depending on the type of membership, the costs range from 1,500 to 7,000 US dollars per year, according to the latest version of the PWA statutes.

The PWA explains: "The current fee structure, which was developed in collaboration with the brands, was created to ensure fairness, proportionality and financial sustainability. Brands contribute in the form of a basic membership fee and results-based fees that reflect their performance and visibility on the tour." This model ensures that all participating brands make a fair contribution to the system from which they benefit. "The PWA does not force anyone to join. Any brand can leave the tour at any time. However, in order to participate in PWA events and enjoy the associated benefits, brands must be active members who fulfil the same obligations as everyone else. Suspension will only occur after all reasonable resolution options have been exhausted."