Tag Heuer 'to drop Tiger Woods from US ads'

Shoppers pass Tag Heuer advert with Tiger Woods

Tag Heuer is the third sponsor to distance itself from Woods

Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer is to drop golfer Tiger Woods's image from its US advertising campaigns for the foreseeable future, a Swiss paper says.

The company acted following "recent events" surrounding the sportsman, chief executive Jean-Christophe Babin told the Swiss daily Le Matin.

Woods has been engulfed in a media storm since a disturbance outside his house three weeks ago.

He has since admitted being unfaithful to his wife.

Tag Heuer is the third sponsor to react to the news.

Management consultancy firm Accenture and shaving products giant Gillette have already said they will cut back Woods's role.

"We recognise Tiger Woods as a great sportsman but we have to take account of the sensitivity of some consumers in relation to recent events," the newspaper's website quoted Mr Babin as saying.

Le Matin said Tag Heuer would continue to support Woods's charitable foundation but would use other well known figures to advertise its brand in the US, such as actor Leonardo Di Caprio.

Nike, Woods's biggest sponsor, has said it will stick with the golfer.

Woods is currently on an indefinite break from golf to try to repair the damage to his family life.