Nike Drops Neymar Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Nike has ended Neymar’s sponsorship deal after the PSG forward allegedly refused to cooperate with a probe of sexual assault allegations made against him by one of the company’s employees.

The sportswear giant terminated Neymar’s 15-year contract in August, 2020 without an explanation for the split – until on Thursday, 27 May, the report was published by The Wall Street Journal.

The alleged assault took place in a New York City hotel in 2016 – where the victim was helping Neymar and his entourage to coordinate event logistics.

She allegedly told friends and Nike colleagues in 2016, but only reported the incident to the company in 2018 and Cooley LLP were hired to conduct an investigation.

The statement reads: “Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee.”

Nike added: “No single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter. It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts.”

Neymar’s spokesperson has denied the allegations, saying that the Neymar and Nike split was purely for sponsorship commercial reasons – which have been in discussions since 2019.

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