Coca-Cola Cut Ties with Wayne Rooney

A sponsorship contract between Coca-Cola and Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has been ended by the company, meaning that the soccer star will no longer be used to promote the Coke Zero brand.

The decision comes following numerous stories of negative press surrounding Rooney culminating in the striker swearing into the TV cameras after scoring a hat-trick against West Ham United last weekend – a move that has resulted in a two-match ban.

Rooney’s deal with the soft drink brand began in 2005, on a rolling £370,000 (US$603,000) a year sponsorship contract, but the company has now confirmed that it will not be renewing the contract.

According to media reports, the company has become increasingly frustrated with Rooney’s controversial attitude, most recently with the striker’s infamous foul-mouthed celebration in which he admitted a charge of using foul and abusive language.

A Coca-Cola spokesman said: “We mutually agreed that we would not renew our relationship. We wish Wayne well in his career.”

The Manchester United player still has sponsorship deals with Nike and EA Sports