Asafa's top sports-wear sponsor suspends contract

Li Ning, the top sponsor of Jamaican Asafa Powell has suspended its contract with the athlete after his A sample was tested positive for a banned substance.



Powell's profile has also been dropped from the website of the Chinese sports brand.



The Jamaican and his MVP teammate Sherone Simpson are now under a criminal investigation for violating Italy's doping laws.



SEE STATEMENT FROM THE SPORTS WEAR BRAND, LI NING:



“As a world- renowned sprinter, (Asafa) Powell has performed excellently in his professional career, and the Company has great respect for his efforts and hard work.



However, as a professional sportswear company, Li Ning company has always adhered to the spirit of sports, and is firmly opposed to any acts of deceit that tarnishes the principles of fair competition.



The company will be following the incident closely and has suspended its sponsorship with Powell pending the outcome of the investigations.



If he is found to be involved in the use of banned stimulants, Li Ning company will immediately terminate its sponsorship contract with Powell.”



SEE: WADA's list of prohibited substances for 2013



On Sunday Powell released a statement declaring that he was not engaged in any malpractice.



“I want to be clear in saying to my family, friends, and most of all my fans worldwide that I have never knowingly or willfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules. I am not now – nor have I ever been – a cheat.”



See Asafa Powell's statement here



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