The newspapers have been all a-fluster this morning with reports that Coca-Cola are ready to be the first of Wayne Rooney’s big sponsors to part ways with the star.
All the reports seem to confirm that it’s the American offices of the beverage firm that are keen to cut ties with the Manchester United star, taking the stance that Rooney’s recent indiscretions will tarnish the company’s image as a family friendly brand.
The UK offices, though, are fighting the England Striker’s corner seemingly on the proviso that all is likely to be forgotten by the Press in the long-term.
Coke’s Spokespeople are reiterating their statement that ”this is a private matter for Wayne Rooney and his family.”, and are declining further comment at this time.
As we reported last week, Rooney’s deal with the Coca-Cola firm earns him a cool £600,000 a year and his contract duties include image rights for the Coke Zero and Powerade lines of drinks, as well as heavy involvement in the Coke Zero presents Street Striker television show on Sky One in the UK.
With the current series of the show currently being filmed, it’s easy to see why the UK team would be keen to retain Rooney there’s plenty at stake for Coca-Cola, including the jobs of the crew, money already spent promoting the show and not to mention the contestants that are already through to the next round of the competition!
