Cristiano Ronaldo’s brand endorsement empire, billed at $47 million per annum by Forbes in June this year, is faced with a threat after Las Vegas police force has reopened the investigation into Kathryn Mayorga’s allegations that she was raped by the football icon in a Las Vegas hotel nine years ago.
Portugal has dropped the country’s World Cup captain Ronaldo for two internationals – a UEFA Nations Cup tie against Poland on October 11 and a friendly international with Ireland two days later. He will also not be considered for Portugal’s two internationals next month.
Ronaldo though has got the backing from his Serie A club Juventus, the tainted football star is facing the heat from his image conscious sponsors. “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike has reportedly said. Ronaldo has a reported $ 1 billion, lifetime endorsement deal with Nike. The biggest brand icon in sports world, Ronaldo has been endorsing and wearing Nike products as part of the record deal.
Even as Serie A club Juventus, which has signed Ronaldo for a $132 million deal with Real Madrid, is standing by their iconic veteran, video game maker EA Sports is reported to be worried about their brand icons conduct. “We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo,” EA Sports has told the Associated Press. “We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values.”
The five-time world player of the year though has denied the accusations.
Juventus had tweeted to express the club’s support to Ronaldo. “Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus. The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion,” read the tweet.
Save the Children charity too was “disheartened” by the allegations as it was seeking more information about the lawsuit against its ambassador for five years.
Ronaldo’s own business of his CR 7 range of hotels, shoes, underwear, fragrance, jeans and children’s line may also be hit hard for lack of acceptance if he fails to come clean in the Las Vegas police force investigations.
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