🔗 Share this article

The North London club has declared that its contentious sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda will terminate in June this upcoming year.

Background and Scrutiny

The partnership, estimated to cost around ten million pounds each year, began in 2018 and has since come under fire.

Such scrutiny is due to Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 militia in persistent fighting in the eastern region of the bordering Congo.

In February, Arsenal was criticized for delivering an "outrageous" snub to the government of the DRC by failing to convene with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner to discuss the partnership.

Deal Composition and Aims

Visit Rwanda serves as a branch of the Rwanda's development authority, which is a state institution.

It is widely believed that Arsenal entered into and continued this partnership mainly to grow their fanbase in Africa.

Nevertheless, the partnership has now terminated after both parties “collectively determined” to end their collaboration.

“Collaboratively, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have exceeded the primary aims of the partnership – advocating preservation and sustainable tourism, inspiring millions of supporters to explore Rwanda, and creating a lasting foundation for tourism growth,” stated an official Arsenal statement.

The release further noted that the partnership has also assisted Rwanda's objective to emerge as an global sports center in Africa and stage additional international competitions while executing community soccer programs that have supported many aspiring footballers and coaches enhance their abilities and encourage more involvement in sports throughout the nation.

Management Opinion and Fan Backlash

Richard Garlick, Arsenal's top executive, described the partnership as a “major expedition” and asserted it had been “propelling” the club's goals.

But that is not how a segment of the club's followers, with the campaign group Gunners Supporting Peace staging protests outside the club's home ground during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against the French club in April's conclusion.

Protesters displayed a sign stating “Terminate the Visit Rwanda Partnership” and distributed armbands to conceal the Visit Rwanda logo on jerseys.

Broader Context and Other Clubs

During that period, the French champions continued their sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda until 2028.

Meanwhile, the Spanish club entered a new agreement for the same period that has caused the logo being carried on the Spanish club's men's and women's shirts.