🔗 Share this article

The North London club has confirmed that its much-debated sponsorship arrangement with Visit Rwanda will come to an end in June of next year.

Context and Criticism

The partnership, said to be worth around £10m per year, was initiated six years ago and has since been heavily criticized.

The backlash is due to Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 militia in ongoing conflicts in the eastern region of the adjacent DRC.

In February, Arsenal was accused of issuing a severe rebuff to the government of the DRC by not arranging a meeting with the DRC's foreign minister to talk about the deal.

Partnership Structure and Objectives

Visit Rwanda functions as an arm of the Rwanda's development authority, which is a public entity.

Many speculate that Arsenal committed to and continued this partnership mainly to grow their fanbase in Africa.

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

“Collaboratively, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have surpassed the initial objectives of the partnership – promoting conservation and eco-friendly travel, encouraging numerous followers to visit the nation, and building a solid groundwork for visitor increase,” read an Gunners' release.

The release further noted that the partnership has also supported Rwanda's objective to emerge as an international sporting hub in Africa and welcome more worldwide tournaments while executing grassroots football initiatives that have helped hundreds of young players and coaches develop their skills and promote increased engagement in sport across the country.

Executive Perspective and Fan Reaction

Richard Garlick, Arsenal's chief executive officer, portrayed the arrangement as a “important voyage” and claimed it had been “driving forward” the club's aspirations.

But that is not how a segment of the club's followers, with the protest movement Gunners Supporting Peace staging protests outside the North London venue during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against PSG in April's conclusion.

Protesters displayed a sign stating “Terminate the Visit Rwanda Partnership” and handed out sleeves to conceal the Rwanda branding on uniforms.

Broader Context and Other Clubs

Around that time, PSG extended their sponsorship arrangement with Visit Rwanda for several more years.

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid signed a fresh deal for the equivalent timeframe that has led to the emblem appearing on the La Liga side's first-team and women's team jerseys.