Coca-Cola may drop Rooney

Coca-Cola may be the first corporate sponsor to drop Wayne Rooney after the revelations about his private life.  The London office of the firm is resisting moves from the Atlanta headquarters to get rid of Rooney, arguing that he was signed up to attract young men to the brand rather than bolster its family image.   In particular he has been used to boost Coke Zero, sometimes called ‘bloke coke’ because it targets young men.

Coca-Cola may be the first corporate sponsor to drop Wayne Rooney after the revelations about his private life.  The London office of the firm is resisting moves from the Atlanta headquarters to get rid of Rooney, arguing that he was signed up to attract young men to the brand rather than bolster its family image.   In particular he has been used to boost Coke Zero, sometimes called ‘bloke coke’ because it targets young men.


Rooney’s relationship with the company dates back to 2003 when he appeared in television ads while he was still playing for Everton.  He is believed to make £600,000 a year from the soft drinks maker.


Other sponsors, including Nike and video game maker EA Sport, have expressed support for Rooney.  The status of his relationship with Tiger Beer is unclear.  He signed a deal with the brewer in April to feature in a television advertising campaign across Asia.