Sponsor row spoils start of the Super8

UK Athletics are confident they can find a solution to the sponsorship row which overshadowed the inaugural Super8 event in Cardiff.

Kelly Sotherton, Hannah England and Greg Rutherford were withdrawn from the event as their sponsor Nike wanted them to wear branded kit, even though the Super8 vests have no sponsorship, carrying just the event logo and team name.

Sotherton had been due to captain the Birmingham team in the innovative, two-hour, inter-city contest, which aims to emulate the success of Twenty20 cricket and boost falling attendances.

Sources close to UK Athletics labelled the decision of Nike "small-minded" and "appalling", although an official statement was more diplomatic.

"There are more than 140 athletes competing. Personal sponsorship obligations have led to three athletes withdrawing," the statement read. "However, we believe we can find a solution with all interested parties."