Roger Federer has said he has a ‘great deal of respect and admiration’ for young environmental protesters after recently coming under fire over his partnership with Swiss bank Credit Suisse.
The 20-time grand slam champion has been questioned about his links to the Swiss bank, who is alleged to have invested $57 billion in companies looking for fossil fuel development sites since 2016. Last year the protest caught worldwide attention after a group entered the Lausanne branch of Credit Suisse dressed as tennis players. Symbolising their disapproval of Federer’s link.
In a recent court ruling, the 12 protesters were ordered to be a total fine of 20,000 euros for the disruption they caused. On the day of the verdict, activists posed outside with numerous banners. One of which read ‘“Crédit Suisse is destroying the planet. Roger, do you support them?”
Federer’s criticism has been highlighted by prestigious Swedish climate change activist, Greta Thurnberg. Who retweeted a tweet to her 3.9 million followers hitting out at the former world No.1.
Since 2016 @CreditSuisse has provided $57 BILLION to companies looking for new fossil fuel deposits – something that is utterly incompatible with #ClimateAction @RogerFederer do you endorse this? #RogerWakeUpNow pic.twitter.com/ED1fIvb4Cr
— 350 Europe (@350Europe) January 8, 2020
(tweet Thurnberg retweeted)
Responding to the backlash, Federer has released an official statement in which he said he is committed to using his position to provide ‘dialogue on important issues.’ Mentioning the ongoing bush fires that is causing havoc in Australia.
“I take the impact and threat of climate change very seriously, particularly as my family and I arrive in Australia amidst devastation from the bush fires.” The statement reads.
”As the father of four young children and a fervent supporter of universal education, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the youth climate movement, and I am grateful to the young climate activists for pushing us all to examine out behaviours and act of innovative solutions.’
”We owe it to them and ourselves to listen. I appreciate reminders of my responsibility as a private individual, as an athlete and as an entrepreneur, and I’m committed to using this privilege position to dialogue on important issues with my sponsors.”
Federer signed a 10-year deal worth millions with Credit Suisse back in 2009 and has remained linked to the company ever since. Forbes magazine listed him as the fifth highest paid athlete of 2019 with an estimated $86 million in endorsements. Some of his other deals include Barilla, Mercedes-Benz, Rolex, Uniqlo and Wilson Sporting Goods
The 38-year-old is yet to start his 2020 season after opting to miss the ATP Cup. He will return to action at the Australian Open which will get underway on January 20th.
