Source: Daily_Mail
Wayne Rooney loses Coca Cola sponsorship
Coca-Cola has permanently ended its relationship with Wayne Rooney, who was initially dropped from the soft drink company's ad campaigns following allegations over his private life.[LNB] Manchester United striker Rooney was the face of Coke Zero, with his image appearing on cans and bottles until last September, when he allegedly cheated on his then-pregnant wife with a prostitute.[LNB] '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. [LNB] The brand: Wayne and Coleen Rooney in a 2006 advert for the drink[LNB]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 now ended. Rooney had earned ?600,000 a year in sponsorship from the deal.[LNB]'We wish Wayne well in his career,' the Coca-Cola statement 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.'[LNB] Punishment: Rooney has been given a two-match ban for his TV rant[LNB] Rooney, 25, who had endorsed Coke Zero since 2007, has made headlines for the wrong reasons again this week for a foul-mouthed rant into a television camera after completing a hat-trick during Saturday's Premier League win at West Ham. [LNB]The striker is facing a two-match ban but Rooney has contested the FA's punishment saying it was 'clearly excessive'. [LNB]If Rooney's appeal fails, he will miss Saturday's league game against Fulham and the following week's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.[LNB] United will fight Rooney ban in hope shamed striker will be available for semi-final derby Sorry, Fergie? Rooney shows Balotelli how to mature, claims United bossCoca-Cola bosses axe 'disgusting' Wayne Rooney from new ad campaignGraham Poll: About time Roo! FA finally show some backbone[LNB] Explore more:People: Wayne Rooney Places: London, United Kingdom
