By Ismail Shakil and Andrew Downie
SAO PAULO, Could 27 (Reuters) – Nike Inc NKE.N 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 towards him by a Nike worker.
Neymar, who presently performs for Paris St Germain, denies the allegations, his spokeswoman stated in a press release.
The world’s largest sportswear maker stated in a press release it seen the allegations about an incident in 2016 as “credible” but in addition stated an unbiased investigation it commissioned was inconclusive.
“No single set of info emerged that may allow us to talk substantively on the matter. It will be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory assertion with out with the ability to present supporting info,” 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 business causes.
“It is vitally unusual a case that was purported to have occurred in 2016, with allegations by a Nike worker, come to gentle solely at that second,” her assertion stated.
The statements observe a Wall Avenue Journal report in regards to 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 inner discussion board. Whereas 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 costliest soccer participant, partnered with Puma PUMG.DE in September. The sportswear firm didn’t reply to a request for remark late Thursday evening in Germany.
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 accustomed to the matter.
Neymar was individually accused of rape in a Paris lodge 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 towards Neymar, citing lack of proof, and later charged the mannequin with slander, extortion and procedural fraud. The slander and extortion costs have been dismissed in 2019 and she or he was acquitted of the fraud cost in 2020.
(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru and Andrew Downie in Sao Paulo; Enhancing by Sayantani Ghosh and Edwina Gibbs)
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