Nike officially ends relationship with Neymar

By Saheed Afolabi

Sportswear company, Nike, has ended its relationship with Neymar following his refusal to cooperate with investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving an employee of the company.

The alleged sexual assault was reported to Nike in 2018 and it allegedly happened in 2016. Nike said it’s investigation was inconclusive.

Neymar’s spokeswoman said Neymar denied the sexual assault and split with Nike last year due to commercial reasons.

“Neymar Jr will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far.”

Nike and Neymar parted ways in August 2020 signaling the end of one Nike’s high profile sponsorship deals. Nike gave no reason for the split at the time.

Nike stated that it could not accuse Neymar without having facts to back up its claim, adding that Neymar’s refusal to cooperate led to the end of the relationship between them.

“It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts.

“Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to co-operate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee.”

Nike said the employee reported the allegations in 2018 but initially wanted to avoid an investigation and keep it confidential. It said it commissioned an independent investigation into the matter the following year when she expressed an interest in pursuing it.

The alleged victim has not been named as Nike said: “We continue to respect the confidentiality of the employee and also recognise that this has been a long and difficult experience for her.”

Neymar plays for French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and recently extended his contract with the French side by 3 years which will expire by June 30, 2025.