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Sponsor suspends deal with Jamaica sprinter Powell after doping allegations
Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning has suspended its sponsorship of Asafa Powell after the Jamaican sprinter returned a positive doping test.
Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning has suspended its sponsorship of Asafa Powell after the Jamaican sprinter returned a positive doping test.
The company said on Wednesday in a statement that it has "great respect for his efforts and hard work" but it was suspending its deal with Powell pending the outcome of a doping investigation.
Li-Ning says it will immediately end its contract with the former 100-meter world-record holder if he is "found to be involved in the use of banned stimulants."
The announcement comes days after revelations that Powell and fellow Jamaican sprinter Sherone Simpson tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrone at their national championships last month.
Powell says he is not a cheat. He says his positive "A" test has left him "completely devastated in many respects."
