Nike deny interfering in Brazil team selection

Marco Sibaja

Sportswear giants Nike denied before a Congressional commission of inquiry on Wednesday that they interfere in the picking of the Brazilian national soccer team which they sponsor.

The commission, which is investigating how much influence Nike holds over Brazil's treasured 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 into 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.

Ronaldo looked dazed and lethargic throughout the match, which an unrecognisable 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 Congress' lower house.

He added that Nike used the Brazil team solely to promote its lines of sports footwear.

Politicians were told that the deal was signed in 1996 and, over the period of 10 years, it includes the payment of $160 million in cash to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), $150 million in marketing and $10 million payment to cover the cost of 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 for Nike in Brazil. "Nike's opinion is that the agreement is satisfactory."

The commission is one of two which were set in motion last year to investigate the administration of Brazilian football, which is falling apart at the seams.

Domestic chaos has recently translated into poor results on the pitch, with the once near-invincible Brazilians losing to modest teams such as Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador and South Korea in the last three years.

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