Cristiano Ronaldo’s sponsors express ‘concern’ over rape allegations

Reservations are increasing about Cristiano Ronaldo from his sponsors and affiliates as pressure grows on the player following allegations he raped a woman.

Sportswear giants Nike said they were “deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations” after he was accused of raping former model and teacher Kathryn Mayorga in 2009.

Ronaldo agreed a lifetime deal with Nike in 2016, worth £750million. At the time, he was only the third sportsman to be handed such a contract, after basketball players Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Read more: Is the Cristiano Ronaldo rape allegation football’s #MeToo moment?

EA Sports, another major sponsor, are also monitoring Ronaldo’s situation. The video game developer made Ronaldo the cover star of Fifa 19, which was released the day before the allegations were first published in German magazine Der Spiegel.

Save The Children, with whom Ronaldo has worked since 2016 and has become a face of the charity, have also expressed concerns.

Juventus back their player

Juventus, meanwhile, put out a statement supporting their forward. It read: “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.”

Read more: Cristiano Ronaldo responds to rape accusation by Kathryn Mayorga, saying he has a ‘clear conscience’

Ronaldo, 33, was also yesterday left out of the Portugal squad for their upcoming matches, against Poland in the Nations League and a friendly with Scotland.

He strongly denies the accusations.