Sao Paulo: Nike Inc stated on Thursday it ended its partnership with Brazilian soccer star Neymar final yr as a result of he refused to cooperate in an investigation into sexual assault allegations leveled in opposition to him by a Nike worker. Neymar, who at the moment performs for Paris St Germain, denies the allegations, his spokeswoman stated in an announcement.
The world’s largest sportswear maker stated in an announcement it considered the allegations about an incident in 2016 as “credible” but additionally stated an impartial investigation it commissioned was inconclusive.
“No single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter. It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts,” the assertion stated.
Neymar’s spokeswoman stated the athlete would vigorously defend himself if any declare is offered, describing the allegations as baseless and including that the endorsement deal ended for industrial causes.
“It is very strange a case that was supposed to have happened in 2016, with allegations by a Nike employee, come to light only at that moment,” her assertion stated.
The statements comply with a Wall Street Journal report concerning the investigation. Nike had beforehand not publicly given a motive for terminating the deal.
Nike stated a feminine worker formally reported the incident to the corporate in 2018, coming ahead in an inside discussion board. While Nike was ready to research at the moment it revered her request to maintain the matter confidential and didn’t examine till she expressed an curiosity in 2019 in legally pursuing the matter, its assertion stated.
Neymar, the world`s most costly soccer participant, partnered with Puma in September. The sportswear firm declined to remark when requested by Reuters if the allegations affected the partnership. He had been signed with Nike for 15 years when the deal ended. The contract was terminated with eight years remaining, the Journal stated, citing an individual acquainted with the matter.
Neymar was individually accused of rape in a Paris resort in June 2019. Neymar has stated the encounter with the girl, a Brazilian mannequin, was consensual and accused her of making an attempt to extort him.
Brazilian authorities dropped that investigation in opposition to Neymar, citing lack of proof, and later charged the mannequin with slander, extortion and procedural fraud. The slander and extortion expenses had been dismissed in 2019 and she or he was acquitted of the fraud cost in 2020.Â
