UNDER SCRUTINY

Cristiano Ronaldo Starts for Juventus as Sponsors Fret Over Rape Claims

Nike has said it is “deeply concerned” over the accusations against the soccer star, while Juventus’ shares fell ahead of Saturday’s game.

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was due to start for Juventus on Saturday for the Italian team’s game against Udinese under a cloud of uncertainty following a rape allegation against him. While Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said the former Real Madrid star is “doing well” and “ready to play,” the striker’s relationship with Nike appeared to be in question. Nike said Friday it was “deeply concerned” by the “disturbing allegations” that Ronaldo raped a woman at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009, a claim that is now reportedly the subject of an investigation by U.S. authorities. The company, with which Ronaldo currently enjoys a lifetime sponsorship deal, did not comment on whether it might withdraw sponsorship but said it would “closely monitor the situation.” Another sponsor, EA Sports, also called the allegation “concerning” and said it expects athletes it supports to “conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values.” The allegation against Ronaldo appears to have also taken a toll on Juventus, whose shares fell almost 10 percent on the Italian stock exchange ahead of Saturday’s game. Ronaldo has vehemently denied the rape allegation and called it “fake news.”

SPEAKING OUT

Cristiano Ronaldo Rape Accuser Seeks to Void Settlement