Ronaldo's hotel chain partner offers support amid rape case

Cristiano Ronaldo has been granted the support of his investment partner in Pestana-CR7 Lifestyle Hotels following the rape allegations against the Juventus star.

Director of strategic development of the Pestana Hotel Group, José Roquette, has expressed his support for Cristiano Ronaldo following the allegations of sexual abuse against the football star by ex-model Kathryn Mayorga.

“It is important to say that Cristiano has been an exemplary partner of the Pestana Group and will continue to be so with all certainty,” Roquette stated to Portugal’s Lusa news agency.

“Under the rule of law, there is a presumption of innocence until it is proven otherwise,” he added.

Ronaldo is a partner of the Pestana group in the Pestana-CR7 Lifestyle Hotels brand, which is set to open new chains in Madrid, New York, Marrakech and Paris in 2019, joining its existing premises in Lisbon and Funchal.

Sponsors’ concern

The support of the Pestana Hotel for Ronaldo group comes days after two of his sponsors, EA Sports and Nike, expressed their concern regarding the allegations against the Juventus and ex-Real Madrid player.

“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike said in a statement, hinting that they could end their sponsorship deal with Ronaldo should he be found guilty; while EA Sports has said it is "closely monitoring" the situation.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. there has been talk that the court of Nevada in charge of the case may request the extradition of the Portuguese footballer to the U.S to face charges relating to Mayorga’s allegations.