Nike, EA Sports Concerned Over Cristiano Ronaldo Rape Allegations

United States sports apparel and equipment manufacturer Nike Inc. and video game maker Electronic Arts (EA) Sports Inc. have expressed concern with regards to the rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo, who is not only one of the best footballers on the planet but also one of the most marketable athletes in the sporting world.

The five-time Ballon D’Or winner has vehemently denied the accusations brought against him by former model Kathryn Mayorga alleging Ronaldo raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Las Vegas police also confirmed this week they were reopening the case after the accuser went public with her claims during an interview with a German magazine.

“I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in. Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense,” Ronaldo wrote on his official Twitter account after the allegations became public.

Nike is one of Ronaldo biggest sponsors and the Portugal international is one of only three athletes to be handed a life-time deal by the American sportswear manufacturer — the other two being NBA legends Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The Juventus star, who has been wearing the Swoosh since 2003, signed a $1 billion life-time deal in 2016.

"We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation," Nike said in a statement to Reuters, as quoted on the Star.

EA Sports also voiced their concern in the aftermath of the allegations having featured Ronaldo as the face of the FIFA video game for the last two years. It was only last week that they released the 2019 edition with the former Real Madrid star on the cover.

"We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo," an EA spokesperson is reported to have said in an email to Reuters. "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.”

Ronaldo’s current employers Juventus have publicly backed the footballer via their official Twitter account, and the dismissive nature of the tweets with regards to the allegations has not gone down well with the public.

“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,” the Italian club’s social media account communicated Thursday.

The 33-year-old has been left out of the national team for the upcoming friendlies and Portugal coach Fernando Santos admitted he will also not be considered for the next round of friendlies in November.

However, the Portuguese coach has offered support to his captain in the face of the serious allegations, while he also got the backing from the president of the Portugal Football Federation Fernando Gomes.

“I know Cristiano Ronaldo very well and I fully believe his word when he says he would never commit a crime like this,” Santos said, as quoted on news.com.au.

“I believe what he said … because I’ve known Ronaldo for many years and I can attest to his good character,” Gomes added.