EA Sports has deleted Cristiano Ronaldo's image from the cover picture of Fifa 19 video game on its website.
The move comes after Cristiano Ronaldo’s sponsors Nike, EA Sports and DAZN expressed concern over the rape allegation facing the footballer. The many brands affiliated with the Juventus star will now be weighing up whether they should stick by this commercial powerhouse or cut ties from a figure under enormous scrutiny.
Ronaldo is allegedly accused of raping an American woman Kathryn Mayorga in a hotel room in 2009 for which the Las Vegas police has reopened an investigation.
As per Spanish newspaper AS, EA Sports said in a statement regarding the removal of Ronaldo's image: "We have seen the concerning report that details allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo. We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values."
The last Tweet to feature Ronaldo from the games developer’s official Twitter handle was sent last week.