Ronaldinho loses £500,000 Coca-Cola deal after drinking Pepsi
Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho has lost his £500,000 a year contract as an ambassador for Coca-Cola after he was caught drinking Pepsi at a press conference.
Speaking to journalists at his new club, Atletico Mineiro – which is sponsored by Pepsi -, he was seen drinking from one of two cans in front of him.
Coca-Cola said in a statement: “Coca-Cola recognises the career and value of Ronaldinho.
“However due to recent developments it has become impossible to continue the partnership.”
Marcelo Pontes, Coca-Cola marketing chief, told Brazilian newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo: “The fact that the player has appeared with a can of Pepsi was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
“The sponsorship had become embarrassing.”