Former French sports minister Roselynne Bachelot has been fined 10’000 euros after falsely claiming that Rafael Nadal had sat out a ‘silent ban’ for a doping violation in comments made during a television interview.
The 10-time French Open champion sued Bachelot, claiming that her comments were harmful to his personal image and had could have affected his sponsorship dales. Nadal has many high profile deals including with sports giant Nike.
“When I filed the law suit against Mrs. Bachelot, I intended not only to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete but also the values I have defended all my career. I also wish to avoid any public figure from making insulting or false allegations against an athlete using the media, without any evidence or foundation and to go unpunished.” Nadal said in a statement.
Bachelot’s claims had come in the wake of Maria Sharapova’s meldonium ban, which coincided with an extended absence for Nadal that was attributed to injury problems. Nadal handed over irrefutable medical documentation to the courts proving that his absence was due to his long-term issues with knee tendonitis.
Nadal had originally sued for 100,000 euros, and has announced that the damages awarded would be given to charity. The World No.1 has been forced out of the year-ending Nitto ATP Finals with knee trouble.
“The motivation (for the court case) as I have always remarked was not economical. As the tribunal considered there has been a wrong-doing and the sentence recognises the right to damages, the compensation will be paid back in full to an NGO or foundation in France.” The world No.1 stated.
Nadal originally wanted to sought £89,000 in damages.
