Nike stand by Rio Ferdinand sponsorship

Sportswear giants Nike have vowed to stand by Rio Ferdinand despite his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test.

Ferdinand is in the first 12 months of a three-year deal with Nike worth a reputed €382,592 to the England international.

Fears have been expressed that the massive suspension imposed as a result of the defender’s failure to take a drugs test last September would make him less attractive to sponsors and cost him a fortune in endorsements.

However, with Nike at least, Ferdinand appears to have no problem.

“This must be a very difficult time for Rio,” said Nike spokesman Simon Charlesworth.

“He has been banned for a long time but we feel the decision is very harsh.

“We are sticking by him and our thoughts are with him.”