Oct 7 (Reuters) – Nike Inc (NKE.N) has determined to droop its relationship with Hockey Canada because the nationwide governing physique faces elevated scrutiny over its dealing with of sexual assault allegations, the world’s largest sportswear maker stated on Friday.
Nike is the newest sponsor to chop ties with Hockey Canada, which has been below hearth since information broke in Could of an alleged group sexual assault involving members of the nation’s 2018 world junior group and subsequent out-of-court settlement. learn extra
Regardless of a freeze in funding by the federal authorities and mounting requires wholesale modifications, Hockey Canada’s interim board chair earlier this week defended the present management in place on the nationwide governing physique.
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“After additional overview of Hockey Canada’s response, we have suspended our relationship with the federation and paused our help,” Nike stated in a press release obtained by Reuters.
“We’ll proceed to watch the state of affairs and await extra data concerning Hockey Canada’s actions to deal with the findings in these investigations and create a secure atmosphere for all athletes.”
Hockey Canada didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The allegations in opposition to the unnamed gamers haven’t been proved in courtroom however the Canadian federal authorities froze funding to the nationwide governing physique over its dealing with of the alleged sexual assault.
The embattled group has since stated it is going to not use a fund that was financed by registration charges of gamers throughout the nation to settle sexual assault claims and likewise introduced a full governance overview.
Because the allegations surfaced, Hockey Canada unveiled a plan to “remove poisonous behaviour” and the physique’s chief govt stated he’s the precise particular person to guide efforts for constructive change throughout the sport throughout the hockey-loving nation.
“Nike believes sport ought to create a secure, supportive atmosphere for all athletes,” Nike stated.
“We’re deeply involved by the continued experiences round Hockey Canada. We consider vital and substantive motion is required to help athletes and rework hockey for future generations.”
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Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto
Enhancing by Toby Davis
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