Nestle terminates IAAF sponsorship over doping scandal

Food and beverage giant Nestle has terminated its sponsorship of the IAAF over fears the doping scandal and corruption afflicting athletics' governing body could damage the company's image.

Nestle has been funding the IAAF's kids' athletics programme for four years, but announced this afternoon that the partnership is ending "with immediate effect."

In a statement, Nestle said: "This decision was taken in light of negative publicity associated with allegations of corruption and doping in sport made against the IAAF."

A World Anti-Doping Agency investigation found there was deeply rooted corruption on the inside by a "powerful rogue group" led by then-president Lamine Diack, and they conspired to extort athletes and allow doping Russians to continue competing.

Nestle said the corruption scandal could "negatively impact our reputation and image."

Nestle's decision is another blow to the sport’s global governing body after Adidas pulled out of a contract last month which was believed to be worth about £5.6m a year.