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Mastercard pauses endorsement deals with LIV Tour golfers Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell

Mastercard has paused its endorsement deals with LIV golf tour members Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell, the company told ESPN.

Poulter has had a contract with the global company since 2009 and McDowell has since 2011, but because of their association with the controversial tour and suspension from the PGA Tour, Mastercard has put those contracts on pause.

"We have paused the activation of our relationship with Ian and Graeme, recognizing the uncertainties around their standing with the PGA Tour," said Mastercard vice president of communications Seth Eisen.

Mastercard did not comment on the duration of the pause or if it will be a permanent decision, but the company is the latest to pull the plug on endorsement deals with players who have joined the Saudi-backed golf tour.