Nike backlash in racism campaign

Pounds 4m cash to go unused by activists

NIKE'S high profile campaign against racism in football was facing a crisis today after action groups across Europe said they did not want their money.

The StandupSpeakup campaign, backed by Arsenal's Thierry Henry and England defender Rio Ferdinand, is being viewed with suspicion by antiracism groups who are questioning Nike's motives.

Their reluctance raises the prospect of millions of pounds raised from the sale of Nike's popular black and white wrist bands lying unspent.

Spanish antiracism football campaigner Carlos Ferreyra Nunez said: "We could desperately use funds to run a countrywide campaign and Nike's money is very tempting. But we have serious concerns over whether antiracism campaigners should take money from such a large, multinational."

Nike's wrist bands have become a much sought after fashion accessory and could generate as much as Pounds 4million for the fight against racists.

Nike defends its motives and says it wants to leave a genuine legacy for the long term fight against racism within football.

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