Nestle has ended its association with the world's governing body for track and field a year ahead of schedule. The move comes amid fears that links with the corruption-plagued organization would lead to negative publicity.
The Swiss-based food and beverage company has sponsored the IAAF's Kids Athletics program since 2012.
Nestle followed apparel maker adidas' lead in cutting ties with the International Association of Athletics Federations, or IAAF, which has been accused of covering up doping in its sports.
The decision comes, according to a Nestle statement, "with immediate effect."
"This decision was taken in light of negative publicity associated with allegations of corruption and doping in sport made against the IAAF.
"We believe this could negatively impact our reputation and image and will therefore terminate our existing agreement with the IAAF, established in 2012.
"We have informed the IAAF of our decision and await a formal acknowledgment from them that our partnership has ended."
The IAAF subsequently released a statement seeming to contradict Nestle, suggesting the organizations had not severed their agreement, and underlining the reach of the Kids Athletics program.
It read:
"The IAAF is in discussion with Nestle concerning the final year of its five year partnership with IAAF Kids' Athletics.
"This has been a successful program with 15 million kids aged 7 to 12 years in 76 countries taking part in fun team activities which promotes a healthy, active life style.
"In 2016 IAAF Kids' Athletics plans to reach a further 15 countries, training 360 lecturers, instructing 8640 Physical Education teachers, with three million children participating by the end of the activation."
Last month, German-based adidas said it was in "close contact" with the IAAF amid reports the company had ended its sponsorship deal four years early.
Dentsu, a Japanese public relations firm; and camera maker Canon have indicated they have no intention of ending their respective partnerships with the IAAF.