Sportswear company ASICS have dumped Israel Folau as an ambassador over his controversial social media posts.
An independent three-person panel determined on Tuesday that Folau committed a high-level breach of Rugby Australia’s Professional Players’ Code of Conduct by posting a meme on Instagram last month saying homosexuals would go to hell as sinners.
Rugby Australia are seeking to terminate the $4-million contract of Folau but the panel is yet to rule on what sanction is appropriate.
Regardless, ASICS have announced they’re dis-continuining their personal sponsorship of Folau because their values don’t align.
The company, who also sponsor the Wallabies, said a statement: “ASICS is dedicated to sport and its healthy contribution to society. We believe sport is for everyone and we champion inclusivity and diversity.
“While Israel Folau is entitled to his personal views, some of those expressed in recent social media posts are not aligned with those of ASICS.
“As such, our partnership with Israel has become untenable and he will no longer represent ASICS as a brand ambassador.”
It's not the first personal sponsor Folau has lost due to his controversial social media posts.
A similar condemnation of homosexuals last year prompted car company LandRover to cease an ambassadorship deal with Folau.
