Nike deny interfering in picking Brazil team

Sportswear giants Nike has denied it interferes in the selection of the Brazil national team, which it sponsors.

Sportswear giants Nike has denied it interferes in the selection of the Brazil national team, which it sponsors.

A commission of inquiry investigating how much influence Nike holds over Brazil's national side also heard the company was happy with their investment in the team, even though it has landed them in controversy and brought some bad publicity.

Many Brazilians see the $369 million 10-year deal as an incursion on national sovereignty.

The issue came to a head at the 1998 World Cup final when striker Ronaldo, who has a personal contract with Nike, was picked to play for Brazil against France despite suffering a reported convulsive fit only hours earlier.

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Ronaldo looked dazed and lethargic throughout the match which Brazil lost 3-0.

"The picking of players is under the exclusive control of the coach," Ingo Ostrowisky, communications manager for Nike in Brazil, told the commission in the Brazilian Congress's lower house.

He said Nike used the Brazil team only to promote its lines of sports footwear.

Politicians were told the deal was signed in 1996 and over 10 years it includes the payment of $160 million in cash to the Brazilian Football Confederation, $150 million in marketing and $10 million to pay for ending the contract with previous suppliers Umbro.

"We are satisfied with the execution of the contract and the results for the company," said Amadeo Aguiar, financial director of Nike in Brazil. "Nike's opinion is that the agreement is satisfactory."

Ronaldo was interviewed in January on his appearance at the 1998 World Cup final and denied Nike influenced the decision to pick him.