James Porteous

Opinion | Nestle worried about damage to its reputation? Please – cash, not morals, is only reason corporations are quitting athletics

If fans were as passionate about track and field as they are the Tour de France and World Cup, sponsors wouldn’t give a hoot about doping scandals

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Sebastian Coe: “Won’t somebody PLEASE think of the children?” Photo: AP

James Porteous

Published: 10:30am, 15 Feb 2016Updated: 3:17pm, 15 Feb 2016

You know your organisation is in trouble when even Nestle want nothing to do with you.

The firm has been boycotted for 40 years for its aggressive marketing of powdered infant formula in the developing world. They’ve been accused of tacitly supporting child slavery in cocoa plantations, busting unions, devastating rainforests and animal habitats because of their devotion to palm oil, and effectively privatising the public water supply in many parts of the US.

(And of course locally, they contribute to a menace more evil than all of these combined, mainland visitors clogging up the pavements with wheelie-bags full of milk powder).

But it no longer wants to be associated with athletics.

“This decision was taken in light of negative publicity associated with allegations of corruption and doping in sport made against the IAAF,” they announced as they pulled support for the IAAF Kids Athletic programme. “We believe this could negatively impact our reputation and image.”

Nestle have not seemed too fussed about their reputation as long as they’re making money. Photo: AFP