Some weeks ago, we reported that FC Barcelona's Rafinha has started wearing blackout Mizuno football boot instead of his usual Adidas boots. Now it has been revealed that Adidas has sued Rafinha for using Mizuno soccer cleats.
Adidas' lawyer Dolf Segaar said the case is being handled at an Amsterdam court as "the Adidas venture with whom Rafinha signed a contract is based in the Dutch capital". The German company are demanding that he pays almost £90,000 for each day he refuses to wear the company's boots.
Rafinha singed a deal with Adidas in 2013 that expired June 2018 with Adidas Netherlands. However, the German brand argues that the player did not respond to a request for extension of contract made this summer, so the sponsorship would have extended tacitly until March 2023.
Rafinha in April 2018 wearing Adidas boots
Rafinha believes that the sponsorship of Adidas has since expired and uses Mizuno boots. According to local media, Rafinha opted for the all-black shoes so they did not stand out while the judicial battle with Adidas is ongoing.
The judges at the court in Amsterdam will rule on December 18.
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