Nike, EA feel the pressure as Ronaldo faces rape allegations
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, is coming under increased pressure from sponsors as he faces rape allegations. Ronaldo denies the charges, but backers including Nike and EA Sports say they are keeping an eye on the developing situation.
EA Sports might have the most to lose, considering Ronaldo fronts its just-released FIFA 19 video game. “We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo,” EA Sports said in a statement. “We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect athletes [on the cover of our games] and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values.”
Nike also has a lot at stake. The company has been with Ronaldo since 2003 and in 2016 signed a lifetime deal with him worth a reported $1 billion. He is deeply imbedded with the sports brand, providing feedback to Nike’s designers while giving mass exposure to Nike’s “Mercurial” branded soccer shoes. Nike in a statement said “we are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
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