The Nike Oregon Project has been closed down in the wake of head coach Alberto Salazar being banned for four years after being found guilty of doping violations.
In a statement, a Nike spokesperson said the Salazar situation had become “an unfair burden” on NOP athletes.
The NOP’s website and social media channels have been taken down.
“Nike has always tried to put the athlete and their needs at the front of all of our decisions,” Nike added.
“This situation including uninformed innuendo and unsubstantiated assertions has become an unfair burden for current OP athletes. That is exactly counter to the purpose of the team.
“We have therefore made the decision to wind down the Oregon Project to allow the athletes to focus on their training and competition needs. We will help all of our athletes in this transition as they choose the coaching set up that is right for them.”
On Friday, Nike chief executive Mark Parker sent an internal memo calling the Salazar situation a “distraction” for NOP athletes.
NOP athlete Suguru Osako also confirmed the news on social media.
“I am sad that the dear team that made me stronger will be gone,” the 28-year-old Japanese long-distance runner wrote on Twitter. “But I will keep exploring myself and I will continue being myself.
“As Nike has expressed their commitment to continuing support as they have, my activities will not be disrupted at all.”
On 6 October, key whistle-blower Kara Goucher told BBC Sport the NOP – an elite athlete training group backed by the sportswear giant – should be shut down.
Salazar’s ban followed a four-year investigation by the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) and a two-year court battle behind closed doors.
The 61-year-old American said he will appeal against the ruling.
Nike also stressed the Usada findings that performance-enhancing drugs had not been used on or by NOP athletes.
The NOP, based in Beaverton, Oregon, was established in 2001 and was the home of British four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah between 2011 and 2017.
At the time of its apparent folding, the NOP counted Dutch runner Sifan Hassan, who won 1500m and 10,000m gold at this month’s World Athletics Championships in Doha, among its athletes.
