TAG Heuer snub Woods

Disgraced star suffers more sponsorship woes

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 19th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

TAG Heuer snub Woods

Woods: More sponsorship woes

The partnership with Tiger Woods will continue but we will downscale the use of his image in certain markets for a period of time, depending on his decision about returning to professional golf

Jean Christophe-Babin
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Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, a key sponsor of Tiger Woods, have announced plans to "downscale the use of his image" in their campaigns.

Woods confirmed last week he was taking an indefinite break from the sport in order to concentrate on his marriage after admitting to being unfaithful to his wife.

Consulting firm Accenture have already ended their partnership with the American world number one, claiming he is "no longer the right representative" for their brand.

Limited

While TAG Heuer have made clear in a statement their relations with Woods will continue, they have confirmed it will be in a more limited capacity.

"TAG Heuer confirms today that it will continue its relationship with golf number one Tiger Woods but will respect his desire of privacy by modifying his role in the coming months' marketing programs," said the company in a statement.

"Tiger Woods became a TAG Heuer brand ambassador in 2002. The relationship between the leader in prestigious sports watches and chronographs since 1860 and golf virtuoso Tiger Woods has always been extremely professional and productive."

TAG Heuer president and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin added: "The partnership with Tiger Woods will continue but we will downscale the use of his image in certain markets for a period of time, depending on his decision about returning to professional golf. We will continue to actively support the Tiger Woods Foundation."

Meanwhile, Gillette have announced Woods will have a more "limited" role in their future campaigns, while telecommunications giant AT&T claim they are "evaluating their relationship" with Woods. Sportswear manufacturer Nike are adamant they will stand by the player.