Tag: Nike

Neymar Says Nike Claim Of Split Over Sex Assault Probe A ‘Lie’

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League first leg semi-final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 28, 2021. Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP

 

Neymar said Friday Nike’s claim that it parted ways with him last year because he refused to cooperate with its internal investigation into an employee’s accusation he sexually assaulted her was an “absurd lie.”

The allegation is the latest to stain the image of the Brazilian superstar, whose 222-million-euro ($270 million) transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 makes him the world’s most expensive footballer.

Nike said Thursday it had ended its sponsorship deal with Neymar over an employee’s claim he tried to force himself on her and his failure to cooperate with its investigation.

“(To) state that my contract (with Nike) was terminated because I did not contribute in good faith to an investigation is an absurd lie,” Neymar wrote on Instagram.

“I was not given the opportunity to defend myself. I was not given the opportunity to know who this person was that was allegedly offended. I don’t even know her. I’ve never had any kind of relationship or approach with this person.”

Nike said the alleged assault happened in 2016, but was only reported to the company in 2018.

The US sportswear giant had sponsored Neymar, 29, since he was a 13-year-old prodigy.

It did not give a reason when it terminated its deal with him in August 2020.

The superstar is now a poster boy for Puma. His deal with the German sportswear giant was announced in September 2020.

‘They did nothing’

The Nike employee accused Neymar of trying to force her to perform oral sex on him in a New York hotel room during a promotional trip for a new line of sneakers, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first broke the story.

Neymar denied the accusation, and said Nike had nevertheless continued sending him on promotional tours.

“In 2017 I traveled again to the USA for another advertising campaign, with the same people, and nothing was told to me, nothing changed!” he wrote.

“In 2017, 2018, 2019 we made trips, advertising campaigns, countless shooting sections. And they told me nothing. Such a serious matter and they did nothing.”

In a previous statement, a Neymar spokeswoman said he and Nike had split for commercial reasons.

The player’s father accused the company of “blackmail.”

“It’s all very strange” that the accusation only came to light years later, after Neymar left Nike, he told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo.

Tarnished star

Nike said in a statement it was prepared to investigate in 2018 when the woman first came forward, but “respected the employee’s initial desire to keep this matter confidential and avoid an investigation.”

The firm therefore did not go further until 2019, when she expressed an interest in pursuing the matter, it said.

That was the same year another woman filed a rape complaint against Neymar in his native Brazil.

He vehemently denied that accusation, and the case was eventually dropped.

Neymar is currently in Brazil training with the national team north of Rio de Janeiro ahead of two upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The superstar seemed “normal, the same as always,” teammate Emerson told a news conference.

Neymar extended his contract with French champions PSG earlier this month, through the 2024-2025 season.

With his on-pitch exploits and huge following on social media, Neymar is one of the biggest names in sports.

But his shine has often been tarnished.

His image as an eternal spoiled child was revived late last year by rumors of a huge year-end party he organized in Brazil in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

He has also raised eyebrows with his alleged diving, hard-partying lifestyle, and love of bling, which critics say contrasts with the relative lack of it in his trophy case.

AFP

Nike Splits With Neymar Over Refusal To Cooperate With Sex Assault Probe

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League first leg semi-final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 28, 2021.
Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP

 

 

Nike said Thursday it parted ways with Neymar last year after the superstar Brazil attacker “refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation” as the company probed an employee’s claim that he sexually assaulted her.

The apparel giant said in a statement that its investigation into the alleged 2016 incident — which was reported to the company in 2018 — was inconclusive.

“No single set of facts emerged that would enable us to speak substantively on the matter,” the company said.

In a Wall Street Journal article reporting the assault allegation, a spokeswoman for Neymar said the player denies the claim.

“Neymar Jr. will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far,” she said in a statement, adding that Nike and Neymar split for commercial reasons.

Nike said otherwise in its statement.

“It would be inappropriate for Nike to make an accusatory statement without being able to provide supporting facts,” the company said, but added: “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.”

The Wall Street Journal reported, citing documents and unnamed people, that Nike hired lawyers at Cooley LLP to conduct an investigation starting in 2019 and decided to stop featuring Neymar in marketing during the probe.

In its statement, the company said it was prepared to investigate in 2018 when the woman first came forward, but “respected the employee’s initial desire to keep this matter confidential and avoid an investigation.”

The firm therefore didn’t share information with law enforcement or any other third party until 2019, when she expressed an interest in pursuing the matter.

“We continue to respect the confidentiality of the employee and also recognize that this has been a long and difficult experience for her,” Nike said.

Neymar’s spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal that the two parties had been in talks since 2019.

“It is very strange a case that was supposed to have happened in 2016, with allegations by a Nike employee, come to light only at that moment,” she told the newspaper.

Neymar’s father accused Nike of “blackmail.”

“We were surprised by something that happened in 2016,” the senior Neymar told Brazil’s Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper. “It’s all very strange now. Neymar doesn’t even know this girl, of course this came from Nike after we left.”

Nike did not give a reason when it terminated its contract with Neymar at the end of August 2020. The company had sponsored Neymar, 29, since he was a 13-year-old prodigy.

The superstar announced in September 2020 that he had signed an endorsement deal with Puma to become the German sportswear giant’s new poster boy.

Earlier this month, Neymar signed a contract extension with French champions Paris Saint-Germain that will keep him with the club until the end of the 2024-2025 season.

The Brazilian said he had “grown as a person, as a human being” since joining the club in 2017 from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($270 million) in what remains the most expensive transfer in history.

Neymar has claimed three Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups with PSG, although he has also provoked hostility from fans by saying he wanted to return to Barcelona.

His image as an eternal spoiled child was revived late last year by rumors, which he did not deny, of a giant year-end party he organized in his homeland in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

A young woman also filed a complaint against him for rape in 2019 — a case he vehemently denied and that was eventually dropped.

Makers Of Lil Nas X ‘Satan Shoe’ Ordered To Stop Sales After Nike Sues

MSCHF and Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes” get sued by Nike.

 

 

The makers of the “Satan Shoe”, a collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X, have been ordered to stop selling them after Nike filed a lawsuit, according to court documents seen.

The sportswear giant sued MSCHF Product Studio after they released 666 pairs of black Nike Air Max 97s customized to feature a bronze pentagram, a Bible verse referring to Satan’s fall, and a drop of human blood mixed with red ink in the midsole.

On Thursday, a US federal judge granted Nike’s motion for a temporary restraining order, banning the Brooklyn-based art collective from fulfilling orders for the shoes and from further using Nike’s trademarks.

The judge said Nike had demonstrated MSCHF’s actions were “likely to confuse, and likely are confusing, consumers about the origin, sponsorship, or approval” of the shoes, and that they would “dilute and tarnish” Nike’s brand, causing “irreparable harm” without the restraining order.

MSCHF has insisted the shoes are art and that their production falls under freedom of expression.

“There is no better way to start a conversation about consumer culture than by participating in consumer culture,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

MSCHF added that it was “honestly surprised” by Nike’s action, and that it “look(ed) forward to working with Nike and the court to resolve this case.”

The temporary restraining order will be in place until the outcome of Nike’s motion for a preliminary injunction is decided, with MSCHF ordered to appear on April 14 to argue its case.

– Sold out –
The shoes sold out almost instantly after being released on Monday, going for $1,018 a pair.

One remaining pair was supposed to form part of a Lil Nas X Twitter giveaway, but the collective said this was now prohibited “indefinitely”.

The sale is a follow-up to MSCHF’s “Jesus Shoes” — white Nike Air Max 97s with holy water in the sole.

Nike did not sue over that product, a fact pointed out by MSCHF in their latest statement, asking: “Heresy only exists in relation to doctrine: who is Nike to censor one but not the other?”

Lil Nas X’s collaboration on the shoes linked with the release of the music video for his new song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”, in which the rapper pole dances in stilettos down to Hell to twerk on the Devil.

The rapper, born Montero Lamar Hill, shot to fame with his megahit song “Old Town Road.”

He came out in 2019, and the new song and video unashamedly celebrate his sexuality.

The track, its video and the sneakers triggered pearl-clutching among many conservatives in the United States, prompting a war of tweets with Lil Nas X.

Liverpool Sign ‘Bumper Kit’ Deal With Nike

 

Liverpool on Tuesday announced they had struck a huge new kit deal with Nike to replace New Balance from the 2020-21 season, underlining the Premier League club’s growing strength on and off the pitch.

The US sportswear giant will supply playing, training and travel wear for Liverpool’s men’s, women’s and academy teams and the coaching and Liverpool FC Foundation staff from June 1.

The club did not give a figure for the “multi-year partnership” but The Athletic reported in October that it would earn Liverpool up to £70 million ($92 million, 82.2 million euros) a year.

It was made possible after the European champions and runaway Premier League leaders won a court battle with New Balance in October.

“Our iconic kit is a key part of our history and identity,” said Liverpool managing director and chief commercial officer Billy Hogan.

“We welcome Nike into the LFC family as our new official kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club, both at home and globally as we continue to expand our fanbase.”

Bert Hoyt, vice-president and general manager of Nike Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Liverpool Football Club has such a proud heritage and strong identity.

“The partnership with Liverpool FC underscores our leadership in global football and with the club’s passionate worldwide fanbase and strong legacy of success — they have a very bright future ahead.”

 Man United eclipsed 

New Balance had argued it had triggered a clause in the current deal that would allow it to maintain the contract for another five years if it matched the terms of any competitor’s offer.

The Athletic reported that Nike would pay Liverpool a flat fee of £30 million per season, well short of the reported £40 million New Balance currently pays.

But with royalties of 20 percent on net sales of merchandise — reduced to five percent for footwear — plus bonuses for winning the Champions League and Premier League, Liverpool will be earning substantially more under the new deal.

A judge ruled in favour of Liverpool’s case that New Balance, which had been supplying the club’s kit since 2015, could not match Nike’s enormous distribution network and promise to market the club via “superstar athletes and influencers”.

These include LeBron James, Serena Williams and Canadian rapper Drake.

Reports in the British press on Tuesday said the Nike deal would net the club £80 million per year, eclipsing Manchester United’s Adidas contract, worth an annual £75 million.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have the biggest kit sponsorship deals, with La Liga champions Barca bringing in at least 150 million euros a season from Nike.

Liverpool are currently 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League and are closing in on their first English top-flight title since 1990.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

AFP

 Nike Rare ‘Moon Shoe’ Sell For $437,500 At Auction

A view of sneakers on display for “The Ultimate Sneaker Collection” online auction at Sotheby’s on July 15, 2019 in New York City. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images/AFP

 

A new world record for a pair of sneakers was set at auction on Tuesday when an avid collector splashed out $437,500 on Nike’s 1972 “Moon Shoe,” Sotheby’s said.

The sale smashed the previous record of $190,373 spent in 2017 on a pair of signed Converse worn by Michael Jordan in the 1984 Olympic basketball final, the New York-headquartered auction house said in a statement.

It was also well above the pre-sale estimate of $160,000, Sotheby’s added.

Canadian collector Miles Nadal was the successful bidder in the online auction, adding to the 99 pairs of other hard-to-find shoes that he bought in a private sale last week.

“I am thrilled to acquire the iconic Nike ‘Moon Shoes,’ one of the rarest pairs of sneakers ever produced, and a true historical artifact in sports history and pop culture,” Nadal said.

Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman designed the flat racing ‘Moon Shoe’ which was made for runners at the 1972 Olympic trials.

Sotheby’s said that just around 12 pairs were manufactured and that the set sold Tuesday was “one of only a handful of pairs known to exist”.

“We are excited the iconic Nike Moon Shoe achieved more than double the previous world auction record for a sneaker today,” said Sotheby’s global e-commerce head Noah Wunsch.

The auction house joined up with streetwear marketplace Stadium Goods to sell 100 of the rarest sneakers ever made.

The 61-year-old Nadal spent $850,000 buying 99 of them privately on Wednesday with organizers holding back the ‘Moon Shoe’ for a public sale.

Nadal plans to display the footwear, which includes Nike sneakers based on those worn by Marty McFly in hit movie “Back to the Future II,” at his private museum in Toronto.

AFP

Adidas, Nike, PUMA Say New Tariffs On China Would Be ‘Catastrophic’

Tense Future For US-China Ties, With Or Without Trade Deal
This file picture taken on November 6, 2018 shows a Chinese and US flag at a booth during the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. PHOTO: JOHANNES EISELE / AFP

 

Adidas, Nike, and PUMA on Tuesday urged US President Donald Trump to prevent the shoe industry from falling victim to the trade war with China, saying new tariffs could be “catastrophic.”

In a letter to Trump, those big name manufacturers joined forces with more than 170 other American shoe manufacturers and retailers calling for footwear to be exempted from a new round of punitive tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods.

In the escalating trade war with Beijing, Trump this month increased existing tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent, and is threatening to extend those duties to nearly all Chinese products imported into the United States.

That would mean additional taxes on a range of consumer goods, including electronics and clothing, such as athletic shoes and iPhones, which has sparked fear in retailers and producers who rely on goods from China.

“The proposed additional tariff of 25 percent on footwear would be catastrophic for our consumers, our companies, and the American economy as a whole,” the letter from the shoe coalition states.

The firms said the industry already pays $3 billion in duties and that additional tariffs would increase costs and prices.

US consumers pay the price

“There should be no misunderstanding that US consumers pay for tariffs on products that are imported,” the companies said, refuting Trump’s frequent erroneous statement that China pays the tariffs, creating a windfall for the US Treasury.

While Trump has called on industries to move away from China or produce their products in the United States, the shoe industry firms said they need “years of planning… to make sourcing decisions and companies cannot simply move factories to adjust to these changes.”

The shoe industry — including other names like Reebok, Ariat and Crocs, as well as retailers like Foot Locker — is the latest to wade into the debate.

While many companies and industries want to see changes in China’s policies, including resolving the issue of theft of US technology, they oppose using tariffs as the primary weapon.

In a letter just after the new tariffs were announced, a group of 17 industry groups urged Trump to reconsider, given their reliance on China for goods.

“In 2017, China accounted for about 41% of all apparel, 72% of all footwear, and 84% of all travel goods imported into the United States,” the letter said.

The US Trade Representative’s office published a list of products that would be targeted by new tariffs, and has called for public comment, including a hearing set for June 17.

In prior rounds of tariffs, the White House granted exemptions for some critical products at the request of US industries.

AFP

Nike Awards Professional Contract To Athlete With Cerebral Palsy

Justin Gallegos

 

Justin Gallegos, a runner at the University of Oregon has become the first professional athlete with Cerebral Palsy to sign with Nike after the sports brand surprised him with a contract.

He thought he was just finishing another cross-country race but little did he know, a representative from the shoe giant, was waiting at the finish line to offer him a pro contract.

Justin is chasing his dream of breaking 2 hours in the 1/2 marathon.

 

An emotional moment for Justin.

 

The Oregon-based company has worked with Gallegos in the past on a running shoe that features a zipper-and-strap system to help runners with disabilities.

The company captured the emotional moment they surprised him with the announcement of a full-time Nike professional athlete contract.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Today on world Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, I reached a milestone in my running journey! Today I made Nike history and became the very first athlete with Cerebral Palsy to sign a contract with Nike! You don’t realize how realistic and emotional your dreams are until they play out before your very eyes! Signing this contract was a huge success for me and I would not have made it without my friends and family and teammates! This was perhaps the most emotional moment in my seven years of running! Growing up with a disability, the thought of becoming a professional athlete is as I have said before like the thought of climbing Mt. Everest! It is definitely possible, but the odds are most definitely not in your favor! Hard work pays off! Hundreds of miles, blood, sweat, and tears has lead me here along with a few permanent scars! But the journey is damn sure not over!!! Looking back, I would guess there is only a few select people who would see me were I am today! I have gone through just about everything in the book to be where I am today! I was once a kid in leg braces who could barely put on foot in front of the other! Now I have signed a three year contract with Nike Running! Trust the process! And most of all trust in God! God is good! Thank you to all my friends, family, and teammates on running club, and now a brand new atmosphere on teammates with Nike! This moment will live forever! Thank you everyone for helping show the world that there is No Such Thing As A Disability! #ProfessionalAthlete #SWOOSH #Nike72 #NikeTrackandField #NikeXC #ThereIsNoFinishLine #StrongerEveryMile #NoSuchThingAsADisability #NikeRunning #Limitless #Breaking2 Video Credits: @elevation0m

A post shared by Justin “Magic” Gallegos (@zoommagic) on

Nike ‘Deeply Concerned’ About Rape Allegations Against Ronaldo

n this file photo of Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo.  Photo:Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

Italian champions Juventus on Thursday said rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo do not change their opinion of their superstar player, but US sportswear giant Nike said it was “deeply concerned”.

The Portuguese striker “has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus”, the team said on Twitter, breaking their silence over the claims made by an American model.

“The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago does not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.”

Juventus later posted a video on YouTube and Twitter shows, Ronaldo, working up a sweat as he trained with his teammates at the team’s Continassa center in Turin for Saturday’s league game against Udinese.

“Juventus go for goal. Cristiano Ronaldo finds the target!” read the caption beside the video.

The defending Serie A champions’ tweets were widely panned on social media as “shockingly dismissive and insensitive”.

“You’d expect a more nuanced and sensitive approach from such a mega-organization,” said one typical tweet.

The player’s powerful commercial backers, including Nike, also expressed fears over the controversy.

“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” a Nike spokesman told AFP.

According to Forbes magazine, Ronaldo is one of only three athletes to have been given a lifetime deal with Nike, joining an elite club also including NBA icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

EA Sports, for whom Ronaldo is a leading figure in their phenomenally successful FIFA video game market, also described the allegations as “concerning”.

“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,” the group said in a statement.

The rape allegations have threatened the reputation of one of the world’s best and highly-paid footballers, with Las Vegas police this week saying they would reopen their file on the case.

The star denies accusations by former model Kathryn Mayorga that he raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in June 2009 and said his conscience is clear.

“Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in,” said Ronaldo on his Twitter feed @Cristiano, which has nearly 75 million followers.

“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.”

“My clear conscious (sic) will thereby allow me to wait with tranquillity the results of any and all investigations,” he added.

‘Years of trauma’

But lawyers for 34-year-old Mayorga hit back, saying their client had been “very consistent” in her reporting of the alleged incident, the details of which have been set out in a 32-page lawsuit filed last month with a district court in Nevada.

Mayorga’s attorney Leslie Stovall told reporters his client had suffered years of trauma as a result of the alleged attack and found the courage to speak out thanks to the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault at the hands of powerful men.

Mayorga claims she was pressured into signing a non-disclosure agreement in 2010 to keep the alleged rape secret and is seeking at least $200,000 in penalties and damages.

Ronaldo, 33, has been left out of Portugal’s next four internationals, national coach Fernando Santos said earlier Thursday.

“I will not reveal the details of the conversation we three had,” said Santos when pressed by reporters on his discussion with Ronaldo and Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed the two internationals Portugal played in September. At the time, Santos suggested that his absence was temporary.

Ronaldo, a father of four who initially made his name in the game during a six-year spell at Manchester United, transferred to Juventus from Real Madrid in the summer in a 100-million-euro ($115 million) deal.

The Turin giants are hoping their investment will pay off and the five-time Champions League winner will lift them to their first European title since 1996 after twice finishing runners-up in the past four seasons.

Ronaldo has scored three goals since his arrival and was hailed as “an extraordinary player” by coach Massimiliano Allegri last weekend after his assists resulted in all three goals in a 3-1 win over title rivals Napoli.

“The passing is exceptional, and tonight was the best Ronaldo of the season,” said Allegri.

“Ronaldo is enjoying his football, he has integrated very well.”

On Saturday, the Serie A leaders travel to Udinese in the north east of Italy looking to extend their 100 percent winning streak this season to ten games in all competitions.

AFP

Super Eagles Jersey Causes Twitter Storm

Super Eagles Jersey Causes Twitter Storm
A file photo of the Super Eagles at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja on May 30, 2018.

 

The new jersey designed for the Super Eagles has triggered numerous reactions from the lovers of football in the country.

Some Nigerians were said to be so intrigued by the Nike kit that they stormed the Oxford Street in London on Friday to get the jersey it before it sells out.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NNF) had reported more than three million pre-orders, just before the kit went on sale.

The Super Eagles will don the jersey in their World Cup test against England on Saturday evening at Wembley.

Ahead of the match, fans have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on the kit;

Kanye’s ‘Yeezy’ To Launch On Valentines

yeezyKanye West has announced that he will be releasing a new shoe called the “Yeezy 750 Boost” in partnership with Adidas on Saturday with a presentation and live stream about the show happening Thursday.

Only 9,000 pairs of the suede high top sneaker in muted gray-and-white will be available at retail price of $350.

The presentation of the shoes will take place in New York with a live performance by Vanessa Beecroft.

The whole show will also broadcast in 50 theatres around the world.

The rapper said that the whole presentation would happen “ten times over the next two day.”

West reveals that more shoes would be available in the upcoming months and asked fans to be patient and safe. “Eventually, everybody who wants to get Yeezys will get Yeezys.”

“I just focus on beauty, fabric, proportion and try to get the price where the kids can get a hold of it.

“It’s not me. It’s the people,” he said.

“I think that there’s something that people have been wanting and missing and this is my proposition, you know, to contribute in some way, I want to contribute to society through usable art.”

His collaboration with Adidas comes two years after he cut ties with Nike.

A mysterious Yeezy website with a countdown clock had gone up last week to stoke excitement over the highly anticipated release of West’s inaugural collaboration with Adidas Originals.

An app was set up to take reservations for the grey suede high tops, to be collected and paid for at Adidas and other stores on Saturday in New York City only for the moment.

Manchester United Secures Mega Deal With Adidas

Man unitedEnglish Premier League side, Manchester United, have signed a major kit deal with German Sport Kit giant, Adidas, in what is believed to be worth minimum of £750million over 10 years from the 2015-16 season.

The deal is a welcome boost for the club whose performances on the pitch last season were hugely disappointing and they can now look forward to fresh investment as the staggering figure is more than double the amount they get from American sport kit company and current partner, Nike.

It would be the first time in 23 years that the German Sport Kit organization has made Manchester United strip in 23 years, since the 1991-92 season.

A club statement on Monday read: “Manchester United PLC has reached a 10-year agreement with Adidas for a global technical sponsorship and dual branded licensing deal for a minimum guarantee of £750m, subject to certain adjustments, beginning with the 2015/2016 campaign.

The Group Chief Executive of Adidas, Herbert Hainer, who was excited about the deal, believes the partnership with United would help to strengthen the kit company’s position in the world

“We are excited to team up with Manchester United, one of the most successful and most loved football clubs globally.

“Our new partnership with Manchester United clearly underlines our leadership in football and would help us to further strengthen our position in key markets around the world.

“At the same time, this collaboration marks a milestone for us when it comes to merchandising potential. We expect total sales to reach £1.5billion during the duration of our partnership”, Hainer concluded.

It is believed Adidas would provide training and playing kit to all the club’s teams and would have the exclusive right to distribute dual-branded merchandising products worldwide.

Nike had released a statement, saying that it decided to end its association with the Old Trafford club at the end of the 2014-15 season claiming that eye-watering figures were being demanded.

It brings an end to a 13-year association that United have enjoyed with the sportswear giants after signing a long-term deal with the firm in 2002. Manchester United unveiled their new home kit for the 2014-15 season which would be the last designed by Nike and the first to bear the logo of new sponsor Chevrolet.

 

Ejigbo 2: 12 Year Old Victim Advocates Death Penalty For Perpetrators

Nike, a 12 year old girl who was one of the three victims of suspected OPC members who tortured 3 pepper sellers in Ejigbo, Lagos state, for allegedly stealing pepper worth 50 naira, has advocated death penalty for the suspects for causing her step-sister’s death.

Nike, who was the third and youngest of the victims, appeared at the public hearing ordered by the Lagos State House of Assembly to investigate the incident which occurred in February 2012.

At the hearing, she identified three men as the ones who tortured herself and her step sister for stealing pepper worth 50 Naira.

She further revealed that one of the suspects (who was without a shirt in the viral video) had promised to set a trap for her because she rejected his advances.

She identified the man who wore jeans as ‘Tirin,’ the man who wore native attire called ‘ankara’ as Jibola, the third man, ‘Abolore’ and ‘Baba Oja.’

She also said that she witnessed the murder of a certain individual by the said men at the same location where they tortured her family members.

Nike, who was unaware of her sister’s death as a result of the severe injuries sustained, was asked what penalty she wanted for the criminals and she said “the people that kill somebody, they use to kill them.”

At the hearing, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,  Adeyemi Kuforiji, redeemed the 1 million Naira promise made by the ad-hoc Chairman to the family who helped in locating the victims. Part of the money was given to the victims.

The case has been handed over to the Office of the Public Defender.