🔗 Share this article

Arsenal Football Club has confirmed that its contentious sponsorship arrangement with Visit Rwanda will come to an end in June this upcoming year.

Context and Criticism

This deal, reportedly valued at around £10m per year, began in 2018 and has since come under fire.

This criticism stems from Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group in ongoing conflicts in the eastern part of the bordering Congo.

Months ago, Arsenal was criticized for delivering an "outrageous" snub to the authorities in Congo by declining to meet with the DRC's foreign minister to discuss the partnership.

Agreement Framework and Goals

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

There is broad consensus that Arsenal committed to and maintained this partnership chiefly to increase their African supporter base.

Nevertheless, the deal has now ended after both parties “mutually agreed” to go their separate ways.

“Together, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have outperformed the initial objectives of the partnership – promoting conservation and sustainable tourism, inspiring millions of supporters to discover the country, and building a solid groundwork for travel industry expansion,” declared an Gunners' release.

The announcement added that the partnership has also aided Rwanda's objective to emerge as an international sporting hub in Africa and welcome more worldwide tournaments while delivering local football projects that have assisted numerous youth athletes and coaches develop their skills and encourage more involvement in sports throughout the nation.

Executive Perspective and Fan Reaction

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

Yet this view was contested by a portion of the Gunners' supporters, with the activist organization Gunners for Peace holding rallies outside the North London venue during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April's conclusion.

Demonstrators showed a sign stating “End the Rwanda Deal” and handed out sleeves to cover up the partnership emblem on uniforms.

Broader Context and Other Clubs

In the same month, Paris Saint-Germain renewed their partnership deal with Visit Rwanda through 2028.

At the same time, Atlético Madrid entered a new agreement for the equivalent timeframe that has caused the emblem appearing on the Madrid-based team's first-team and women's team jerseys.