Formula One
star Michael Schumacher has been dumped by wealthy sponsors since the ski
accident which left him 'paralysed' and close to death.
According to
Daily Mail, the seven-time champion is expected to lose out on more than £4million
a year as a result of the decisions by companies who no longer see him as a
role model for their products. Fashion firms Navyboot and Jet Set severed all
commercial ties with the recovering coma victim as doubts remain over the
chances of a full recovery.
Schumacher,
45, suffered severe head injuries while skiing with his family in the French
Alps in December last year. He is currently recovering, but is said to be 'paralysed,
wheelchair-bound and unable to speak', according to former racing driver Philippe
Streiff.
A
spokeswoman for Phillipe Gaydoul, who owns the fashion firms, confirmed the
decision to the end the lucrative contract, which paid Schumacher £4million a
year.
'It is not easy for Schumacher's sponsors:
paying out millions of Swiss francs per year and receiving nothing back since
the crash,' said Swiss news website Bluewin
'But must they separate in this situation
from the Formula 1 legend? It is a balancing act: On the one hand, the sponsors
must pursue economic objectives, which point towards for a parting. On the
other hand it will not be well received in public if you are turning your back
on Schumacher at this difficult time.'
Also earlier
this year the German mineral water company Rosbacher reportedly annulled its
contract with him. It is not yet clear which other companies have severed their
links with Schumacher, who is being cared for by a team of specialists at his
£35million mansion on the shores of Lake Geneva.
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