Nike 'cooperating with authorities' following Fifa arrests

Although not specifically named by US investigators as part of a probe footballing officials, the US sportswear giant have released a statement.Nike have issued a statement saying they are cooperating with authorities in the wake of the arrests of several Fifa officials.On Wednesday, 14 people - including nine Fifa dignitaries - were indicted on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and corruption by Switzerland's Federal Office of Justice, following a request by United States authorities.

Seven of those charged were arrested in Zurich earlier in the day.The US Justice Department’s 161-page indictment included allegations of bribery involving attempts by a multinational sportswear company head quartered in the United States" to win an apparel licensing deal with Brazil's national soccer team.Nike, whose name did not appear anywhere in the report and have not confirmed they were manufacturer to which the allegations referred, have issued a response to the media.Like fans everywhere we care passionately about the game and are concerned by the very serious allegations,Nike's statement read. "Nike believes in ethical and fair play in both business and sport and strongly opposes any form of manipulation or bribery. We have been cooperating, and will continue to cooperate, with the authorities.Ranked number 15 on Fortune's 2015 list of the World's Most Admired Companies, Nike's worldwide brand is valued at an estimated $15billion, according to Forbes. It competes with official World Cup sponsor adidas to be international football's top brand and has a long standing manufacturing deal with the Brazilian national team.Earlier on Wednesday, adidas had been quick to issue a release that stopped short of criticising football's governing body but did "encourage Fifa to continue to establish and follow transparent compliance standards in everything they do.