Cristiano Ronaldo faces the prospect of paying back a fortune to his sponsors if an allegation he raped a former model is ever proven, according to a leading lawyer.
Simon Leaf, who specialises in commercial contracts for Mishcon de Reya, said the star’s backers may seek to get back a “chunk” of the millions they have already paid him.
The news comes after both Nike and EA Sports issued public statements on the back of the sexual assault claims – which have been vehemently denied by the Juventus star.
Nike said it was “deeply concerned” by “disturbing” allegations it said it would monitor closely. EA Sport also described the situation as “concerning”.
Mr Leaf told the Telegraph he is certain the global star’s high-profile backers will now be checking the small print in their contracts with the 33 year old.
He said: “This is likely to include not only their rights to terminate or suspend the relationship if the allegations prove to be accurate, but also whether they may be able to recover past fees paid to him.
“I’d be surprised if in a chunk sponsorship agreement, that we regularly advice on, there wasn’t some kind of representation that Ronaldo provided confirming that there were no issues that he was aware of that may cause the relevant brand harm, such as reputations damage, later down the line.”
Ronaldo has been accused of rape by Kathryn Mayorga, who says the player assaulted her in a hotel penthouse in 2009. He has vehemently denied the accusation.
Ms Mayorga claims the Portuguese superstar attacked her in the Palms Casino Resort – before allegedly apologising and saying he is “usually a gentlema
His lawyers have called the reporting in the German news mag “blatantly illegal” and have said they will be seeking substantial damages.
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