EA is “closely monitoring” allegations of sexual assault in opposition to Juventus and Portugal soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. The soccer participant is the duvet star of EA Sports’ FIFA 19, having additionally appeared on the entrance of the collection’ earlier game.
The allegations in opposition to Ronaldo stem from 2009, when the participant was nonetheless hooked up to Manchester United. An American girl claims that Ronaldo sexually assaulted her in a Las Vegas resort in June of that 12 months, and was then paid $375,000 earlier than signing a non-disclosure settlement.
Nine years after the alleged incident, the girl has recognized herself. In an article revealed final week by German newspaper Der Spiegel, Kathryn Mayorga says she reported the incident to Las Vegas police the day after it’s alleged to have occured. Since the allegations resurfaced, the police have confirmed that they’ve re-opened the investigation, and {that a} rape equipment collected from a hospital the day after the assault was reported remains to be of their possession. Mayorga has spoken at size with Der Speigel concerning the allegations, and has now filed a civil criticism in opposition to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo options on the game’s cowl, but in addition throughout the game itself. His character seems within the game’s story mode – The Journey: Champions – and he’s additionally a extremely sought-after participant. Ronaldo is the highest-rated participant within the game in terms of base stats, and can be acquired as a very uncommon “Ones to Watch” card throughout the game’s Ultimate Team mode.
We contacted EA for touch upon the allegations, and requested whether or not the allegations would impression Ronaldo’s look as a canopy star in both FIFA 19 or future titles within the collection. In reply, a spokesperson stated that “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.”
There is not any direct precedent for EA taking motion in opposition to cowl stars threatened with authorized motion. Tiger Woods remained the face of the studio’s golf collection throughout a number of controversies within the winter of 2009, however NFL stars have been faraway from candidate swimming pools – and from the game altogether – following assault allegations and convictions.
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