Li Ning suspends deal with Asafa Powell over doping
Sportswear giant awaiting results of investigation into alleged drug-taking by Jamaican sprinter, who maintains his innocence
Chinese sportswear company Li Ning has suspended its sponsorship of Asafa Powell after the Jamaican sprinter failed a doping test and was formally placed under criminal investigation in Italy for possibly violating anti-doping laws.
The company said it had "great respect for his efforts and hard work" over the years but it was suspending its deal with the former 100-metre world-record holder pending the outcome of a doping investigation.
The announcement comes days after revelations that Powell and fellow Jamaican track star Sherone Simpson tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrone at their national championships last month. Discus thrower Allison Randall and two other athletes also returned positives for banned substances at the same meet.
News on the weekend that Tyson Gay was also under the cloud of doping led sportswear giant Adidas to suspend its sponsorship of the US sprinter on Monday.
Li Ning said it would immediately end its contract with Powell if he was "found to be involved in the use of banned stimulants".
The company said it "is firmly opposed to any acts of deceit that tarnish the principles of fair competition".