Churchill sponsors yet to decide on future ties

KOCHI - The sponsors of Churchill Brothers, Kunnath Pharmaceuticals, said they are awaiting a report on the alleged molestation charges levelled against the football club’s three players to decide on the future of their tie-up with them.

The Goa-based Churchill Brothers landed in a controversy early this month when three of its players were arrested on charges of allegedly molesting a airhostess on board of a Spice Jet aircraft. They were later released on bail.

K.C. Abraham, managing director of Kunnath Pharmaceuticals, told IANS that as of now the sponsorship to the team will continue and a final decision would be taken after the report.

“I had reached Goa immediately after the incident surfaced and met the club officials. I also met the player, Odafe Okolie, who came with his family and pleaded innocence. He narrated the incident to me,” said Abraham.

He said he has written to the chief executive of the airline asking him to get the version of the particular airhostess as well as his observation on the incident.

“I have got in touch with the police officials who registered the case. We are regularly following it up with these people and if we get reports that the players are guilty, then we will withdraw the sponsorship. We are expecting the report in the next few days,” added Abraham.