IAAF president Lord Coe accused Nestle of hypocrisy after it ended its sponsorship of the world governing body’s Kids’ Athletics programme. The Swiss food and drink company said it feared the doping scandal engulfing the IAAF could damage its reputation.
But Coe pointed to Nestle’s backing of the Tour de France during a time when cycling had notable doping problems.
“We were left confused and angry. I didn’t understand the rationale behind it,” the Briton said.
“Clearly it wasn’t a decision made about reputation because, since 2001, they’ve been the global partner to the Tour de France and renewed at a moment when cycling was in its worst position around doping.
“We felt this was hypocritical.”
He added that the IAAF would not accept Nestle’s decision.
“Our legal teams have clearly taken a view that we need to be tough about this,” he said. “And we will be.
“We will pursue this strongly and vigorously because we see no sensible rationale and we don’t believe this is simply about reputational damage.”
Nestle’s sponsorship of the Tour de France began in 2001, principally in the guise of its Vittel water brand.
In 2013, the company extended its deal with cycling’s most prestigious road race until 2018.
