Li Ning Suspends Asafa Powell Sponsorship Following Positive Doping Test

Chinese sportswear brand Li Ning has suspended its sponsorship deal with Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell after he tested positive for banned substances.

The news comes after Powell and five other athletes, cough including Tyson Gay, capsule were found to have used banned drugs, an allegation Powell has denied.

However, top sponsor Li Ning has followed in the footsteps of adidas, who suspended their partnership with Gay, and dropped Powell from their website and suspended their sponsorship agreement.

A statement from Li Ning said: “As a world- renowned sprinter, Powell has performed excellently in his professional career, and the Company has great respect for his efforts and hard work.

“However, as a professional sportswear company, Li Ning company has always adhered to the spirit of sports, and is firmly opposed to any acts of deceit that tarnishes the principles of fair competition. 

“The company will be following the incident closely and has suspended its sponsorship with Powell pending the outcome of the investigations.

“If he is found to be involved in the use of banned stimulants, Li Ning company will immediately terminate its sponsorship contract with Powell.”