EA have said they are closely monitoring the recent controversy against the football star Cristiano Ronaldo regarding a sexual assault allegation. The news has resurfaced after having being settled back in 2009 in a closed agreement between the accuser and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a short statement to Polygon, an EA representative stated:
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.
Ronaldo is a big marketing figure in FIFA 19 having also being featured in its cover. He also appears in The Journery: Champions, which is a series’ story mode, while also being a player among the ultra-rare Ones To Watch cards in the Ultimate Team mode.
The concerns were made after a report by a German magazine Der Spiegel where the accuser made her complaint public in the magazine. Following the report, Las Vegas Police also confirmed that they have reopened its investigation in the matter.
“The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a call of a sexual assault on 13 June 2009. At the time the report was taken, the victim did not provide detectives with the location of the incident or suspect description. A medical exam was conducted,” the department said.
“As of September 2018, the case has been reopened and our detectives are following up on information being provided by the victim. This is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released at this time.”
EA’s statement follows a similar comment made by Nike, who had also contacted Cristano Ronaldo over the accusations. The sportswear company told The Associated Press:
We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Responding to the recent accusations, Cristiano Ronaldo denied the allegations in a statement on Twitter.
I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in. Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 3, 2018
My clear conscious will thereby allow me to await with tranquillity the results of any and all investigations.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 3, 2018
Meanwhile, his club is also in defense of its main star player. In a couple of tweets, Juventus FC noted Cristiano Ronaldo’s “great professionalism and dedication” over the past few months, while also calling out on the accusations being over a decade old.
.@Cristiano Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus. 1/1
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 4, 2018
The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion. 2/2
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 4, 2018
Is EA’s response fair? Or should they have supported their star player like Juventus FC? Post your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
