Oct 7 (Reuters) – Nike Inc 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 mentioned on Friday.
Nike is the newest sponsor to chop ties with Hockey Canada, which has been underneath fireplace since information broke in Might of an alleged group sexual assault involving members of the nation’s 2018 world junior staff and subsequent out-of-court settlement.
Regardless of a freeze in funding by the federal authorities and mounting requires wholesale adjustments, Hockey Canada’s interim board chair earlier this week defended the present management in place on the nationwide governing physique.
“After additional overview of Hockey Canada’s response, we have suspended our relationship with the federation and paused our assist,” Nike mentioned in an announcement obtained by Reuters.
“We’ll proceed to observe the scenario and await extra info 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 towards the unnamed gamers haven’t been proved in court docket 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 mentioned it’s going to not use a fund that was financed by registration charges of gamers throughout the nation to settle sexual assault claims and in addition introduced a full governance overview.
For the reason that allegations surfaced, Hockey Canada unveiled a plan to “get rid of poisonous behaviour” and the physique’s chief government mentioned he’s the proper individual to steer efforts for constructive change inside the sport throughout the hockey-loving nation.
“Nike believes sport ought to create a secure, supportive atmosphere for all athletes,” Nike mentioned.
“We’re deeply involved by the continued experiences round Hockey Canada. We imagine important and substantive motion is required to assist athletes and remodel hockey for future generations.” (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto Enhancing by Toby Davis)
