Nike Sues Adidas Over Deal With Chinese Soccer Player Zheng Zhi

Nike Suing adidas, Zheng Zhi For Breach Of Endorsement Contract

Nike is suing adidas and Chinese men’s national soccer team MF Zheng Zhi, according to Angela Xu of the SHANGHAI DAILY. Nike accused adidas and Zheng of "harming its interest'' and accused Zheng of breach of contract. Nike is seeking US$1.14M in compensation and “requested the defendants to take joint responsibility.” Nike signed Zheng to an endorsement deal in July ’03 that was to expire at the end of ’07. However, Nike claims Zheng “wore Adidas sports shoes … at a match in Japan” in March ’05. Nike’s attorneys said that just days after the match, Zheng “asked to terminate the Nike contract and began to attend commercial activities organized by Adidas in the next two years.” adidas on May 16, 2006, announced that it had signed Zheng to a deal. adidas and Zheng countered that Nike “didn’t pay the player in time according to the contract,” and that Zheng “had the right to unilaterally end the deal because Nike had violated its terms.” adidas also said that Zheng wore the company’s shoes during China national games because adidas sponsored the team (SHANGHAI DAILY, 4/15).