SYDNEY - Cronulla's major sponsor LG has confirmed it will not renew its contract with the embattled National Rugby League club, leaving the Sharks with another A$700,000 ($907,794) black hole next season.
Reeling after the loss of A$150,000 worth of sponsorship last week, the Sharks' turbulent season has plunged further
into crisis with the club's major backer announcing it no longer wants to be associated with Cronulla following sex and now drug scandals.
LG's Marketing Director David Brand told Fox Sports the recent controversies involving the club were behind the decision not to renew their long-running deal with Cronulla.
"We have had a successful association with rugby league and the Sharks but we no longer see the benefits of an ongoing sponsorship given the evolution of our brand," Brand said.
"While the recent controversies around the NRL, and the Sharks in particular, were certainly a significant element in our decision, we also considered the direction of our company and where we want to take the LG brand."
Meanwhile, calls for board members to stand down following the problems at Cronulla have been dismissed with Leagues club general manager Michael Wilkins releasing a statement saying all candidates who nominated for board elections this weekend cannot withdraw.
"The Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club is bound by its constitution and is currently in the process of conducting an election for the positions of eight directors," Wilkins said in a statement.
"As per the terms of the election process, no candidate can withdraw their nomination after said nominations have closed, that date being 5pm Thursday 23 April 2009.
"Calls for directors to resign would be in violation of the election process and therefore in violation of the club constitution.
"The election process must operate as per the terms of the returning officer and the Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club will continue to steadfastly abide by these rules.
"We ask that the election process be allowed to proceed unhindered."
- AAP
