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Nestle splits with IAAF over doping controversy

Nestle

Nestle

Food multinational Nestle has announced a split with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) amidst the corruption scandal that has engulfed the organisation.

Nestle, which sponsored the IAAF’s kids’ athletics program for the past four years, said the move would be immediate.

“This decision was taken in light of negative publicity associated with allegations of corruption and doping in sport made against the IAAF,” the company said in a statement.

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It said the corruption could “negatively impact our reputation and image”.

Embattled IAAF chief Sebastian Coe immediately denounced the move in a brief statement.

“Angered and dismayed by today’s kids’ athletics announcement,” he said.

“We will not accept it. It’s the kids who will suffer.”

The IAAF was ravaged by recent allegations of widespread corruption related to doping.

In late 2015 it was alleged a number of high-up officials had colluded to allow Russian doping cheats to continue competing.

Sebastian Coe himself has also faced criticism for his slow reaction to the scandal which has seen all Russian athletes banned from the sport.

Reacting to the news, the IAAF said it was attempting to negotiate with Nestle.

“The IAAF is in discussion with Nestle concerning the final year of its five-year partnership with IAAF Kids’ Athletics,” an IAAF statement said.

“This has been a successful program with 15 million kids aged seven to 12 years in 76 countries taking part in fun team activities which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.

Nestle has in the past been criticised for aggressively marketing breast milk substitutes to African mothers and has also been accused of using child labor.

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