Cristiano Ronaldo 'vanishes' from Fifa19 social media branding as EA Sports appears to distance itself from cover star after rape claims

The Juventus forward featured prominently in the internet advertising for the wildly popular footie game.

But he has recently disappeared from the social media promotions for the game as well as from banner pictures on EA Sports' website.

Ronaldo has featured on the cover of the Fifa franchise for the last two years.

Earlier and EA spokesperson told Reuters: "We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values."

Fellow sponsor Nike also said they were "concerned" about the allegations and were "closely monitoring the situation".

The 33-year-old was the highest-paid athlete in the world for the second straight year in 2017 pocketing £70m – including £25m in mega licensing deals.

Big name sponsors clearly recognise the value Ronaldo brings to the table which is why Nike signed him up for a lifetime deal at the end of 2016 reportedly worth $1billion (£760m).



Ronaldo has been accused of sexually assaulting Kathryn Mayorga in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009.

The star has vehemently denied the allegations saying: "I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me.

"Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in."

American model Mayorga claims the £100million Juventus star raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room when she was 25 and working in Rain nightclub inside the Palms Casino Resort.

She alleges that Ronaldo agreed to pay her £287,000 to stop her pursuing criminal charges – which could have seen him jailed for life – and gagged her from going public.

But her lawyers are now trying to overturn that settlement.
Police in America have now reopened the investigation into the claims.



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