Enlarge image
Neymar and Nike were partners for 15 years
Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Sporting goods manufacturer Nike broke up with Brazilian soccer star Neymar on charges of alleged sexual assault.
The 29-year-old professional from Paris Saint-Germain behaved uncooperatively when investigating the allegation of an employee against him, the US company said.
The separation had already taken place last year.
Neymar rejects allegations
The investigations are about an incident from 2016 that was reported to the company in 2018.
The PSG star rejects the allegations.
"Neymar Jr. will vigorously defend against these unfounded attacks if a legal claim is made, which has not yet been done," said a spokeswoman for the professional in a report in the Wall Street Journal, adding that both parties would quit after May 15 Years separated for "business reasons".
However, Nike stated that it would be “inappropriate” for the company to “make an accusatory testimony without being able to provide supporting facts,” adding, “Nike ended the relationship with the athlete because he refused to participate in one Cooperate in good faith investigation of credible allegations of misconduct by an employee. "
Nike ended its sponsorship deal last August without giving a reason.
Neymar was 13 when he signed the sponsorship deal with the company.
In 2019, Neymar had accused a woman of rape in Brazil and reported the footballer.
The prosecution later closed their investigations and charges were not brought because there was insufficient evidence to support the alleged crime.
mfu / sid / afp