Allegations of sexual assault at the root of the split between Nike and Neymar
Paris Saint-Germain Brazilian striker Neymar on May 16, 2021 at Parc des Princes in Paris FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives
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The American equipment manufacturer Nike explained in a press release published on the night of Thursday to Friday the reasons for the termination of his contract with the Brazilian star of PSG last summer.
It would not be due to trade disputes, but to Neymar's refusal to cooperate in an investigation into allegations of sexual assault.
Publicity
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With our correspondent in New York,
Carrie Nooten
We finally know why the giant Nike broke his contract with Neymar last summer after thirteen years of collaboration: the Brazilian player was accused by an employee of the brand of having sexually assaulted her in 2016, and the player refused to cooperate in an investigation carried out as early as 2019.
The
Wall Street Journal
reveals that this young woman was in New York for a promotional event around Neymar.
And while they were both in his hotel room to work, the athlete would have asked him to perform a fellatio.
She confided in friends at the time, but refused to press charges.
The brand then agreed to conduct a private and confidential investigation instead.
But Neymar, who is also
accused by a young Brazilian woman of rape
in 2019, refused to respond to their requests.
Disclaimers
Nike admits it failed to rule on the merits of the case, but was troubled by the Brazilian's lack of cooperation in a good faith investigation.
She thus cut off all commercial ties with him.
Joined by the
WSJ
, the spokesperson for the player assured in a statement that "
Neymar Jr will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any allegation is presented, which has not happened so far
."
And she maintains that the two sides separated for commercial reasons.
Allegations also rejected by the father of the star.
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