Soft drinks giant dumps Rooney
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Coca-Cola has permanently ended its relationship with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who was initially dropped from the soft drink company's ad campaigns following allegations over his private life.
The 25-year-old Rooney was the face of Coke Zero, with his image appearing on cans and bottles, until last September, when he reportedly cheated on his then-pregnant wife with a prostitute.
"Our contract with Wayne Rooney came to an end last year and we mutually agreed that we would not renew our relationship," Coca-Cola said in a statement yesterday.
After the allegations about Rooney's off-field antics last year, the world's largest soft drink maker responded by saying it was not "appropriate" to use the England international in promotions, but insisted that its "relationship with Wayne Rooney is ongoing." That has ended.
"We wish Wayne well in his career," Coca-Cola said. "Our marketing plans have evolved to focus on our sponsorship of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the upcoming launch of our plans for the Olympic Torch Relay."
Rooney is facing a two-match ban for swearing into a television camera after scoring a hat-trick during the Premier League match at West Ham last weekend.
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