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Nike 'very concerned' by rape accusation against Neymar

MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP / Getty

Nike raised questions about its continued sponsorship of embattled Brazilian star Neymar after responding to an allegation that the 27-year-old raped a woman in a Paris hotel in May.

"We are very concerned by the recent allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation," Nike told Reuters.

Mastercard, another sponsor of Neymar's, reportedly suspended an upcoming advertising campaign featuring the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

Neymar denies the accusation, claiming the woman, Najila Trindade, is trying to extort him.

His lawyer, Maira Fernandes, said Neymar visited a police station in Rio de Janeiro to give his testimony.

"We are absolutely confident that we will prove the innocence of our client," Fernandes said, according to the BBC. "The process was thorough, but he provided all the clarifications that were to be provided."

Trindade said in a televised interview with SBT Brasil that Neymar turned "aggressive" on May 15 when she told him she didn't want to have sex. She told police she met Neymar on Instagram and that he had paid for her flight and accommodations.

"When I asked him if he brought a condom, he said no. So I told him that nothing would happen," Trindade said. "He didn't listen, he turned, and he committed the act ... I said, 'Stop. Stop. No! Stop.' But he didn't say much. He only acted.

"I just want justice. He left me very traumatized. I want him to pay for what he did."

Neymar won't participate in the 2019 Copa America because of an ankle injury he suffered in Wednesday's friendly against Qatar.

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