The Premier League club, Manchester United have announced that they have ended their sponsorship deal with Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot.
The club confirmed that it had “withdrawn the sponsorship rights” on Friday from Aeroflot which was the club’s official carrier since 2013.
As part of a series of sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK government barred Aeroflot from operating in the country. The Russian Federation owns a majority stake in Aeroflot.
A spokesperson from the club said, “In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected.”
Aeroflot joined United as a global partner in 2013, and the agreement was renewed in 2017. The contract was set to last until 2023, with sources evaluating it to be worth around £30 million.
The club has previously used Aeroflot planes for travel but used a different carrier ahead of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in Spain.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick said, “I think everybody has the same opinion about what’s happening there. This is just a human disaster that’s happening there for all the people involved. The whole situation is desperately sad.
“When I watch TV in the morning and the evening, I still cannot believe what I see. This is just a terrible situation and I very much help the politicians all over the world deescalate the situation and what’s happening there.”
On the field, Manchester United will lock horns with the 19th place Watford tonight i.e. February 26. The Red Devils will look to gain maximum out of this game and keep their Champions League dream alive for next season. Â