HERZOGENAURACH, Germany — German sportswear big Puma says its determination to finish its collaboration with Israel’s nationwide soccer workforce subsequent 12 months was made in 2022 - earlier than the present Israel-Hamas conflict began.

“The decision is based solely on business reasons,” Puma communications chief Kerstin Neuber mentioned Tuesday.

Puma, which has confronted requires shopper boycotts over its contract with the Israeli soccer affiliation, mentioned the choice was made on the finish of 2022 when the corporate determined to implement its “fewer-bigger-better strategy” and apply it to its advertising and marketing campaigns.

Changes have been made after a evaluate of the corporate’s roster of nationwide groups based mostly on business components and participation in main worldwide tournaments, Neuber mentioned.

“While two newly signed national teams - including a new statement team - will be announced later this year and in 2024, the contracts of some federations such as Serbia and Israel will expire in 2024,” Neuber mentioned. “These decisions were taken in 2022 in line with the regular timelines for the design and development of the team jerseys.”

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