Dortmund confirm controversial sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall will not be renewed
| Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images. |
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that their controversial sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall – which expires on 30 June, 2027 – will not be renewed.
The partnership, which began in 2024, had sparked heated debates over the past two years. Among other things, a members' vote was held which demonstrated strong opposition.
From the results in 2024, a majority of 855 of the 1,205 members present [currently a total of approximately 245,000] voted against the Rheinmetall deal.
Their argument for voting against it was arms manufacturer, among other things, how it earns its money from war, not peace – values that, in their view, are incompatible with Dortmund.
As BILD writes, the decision by BVB's chiefs to part ways with their lucrative Rheinmetall deal when the contract expires in June 2027 is likely to have a positive impact on the atmosphere ahead of the upcoming general meeting.
Carsten Cramer, Chairman of Borussia Dortmund, released a statement via the club's website regarding their decision to terminate the collaboration and reject an extension beyond June 2027:
“First of all, I would like to emphasize that we did not make this decision alone, but together with Rheinmetall,” Cramer explained in the aforementioned statement.
"We are, of course, aware that our partnership has been the subject of controversial discussion since its inception. We are aware of the criticism from our members and some of the fans.
At the 2024 general meeting, the members voted on a motion not to extend the partnership agreement with Rheinmetall beyond 2027. We naturally took this aspect into account and seriously in our discussions with Rheinmetall.
"The decision wasn't easy for me. But if we so clearly advocate for the 50+1 rule and the unity and cohesion of BVB are as important to you as they are to me.
“Then we have to consider all the perspectives and considerations of our stakeholders and ultimately make a decision,” Cramer concluded on the matter.
