Schalke 04 announced February 28, 2022 they ended prematurely their partnership with Russian gas provider Gazprom amid the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. — AFP pic
BERLIN, Feb 28 — German football club Schalke 04 said today they were cancelling their partnership with Gazprom ahead of schedule.
“Management and the supervisory board are in discussions with representatives of the current main sponsor, further information will be published in due course,” Schalke said on Twitter.
The decision does not affect the club’s financial capabilities,Schalke, who currently play in the German second tier following the relegation in the 2020-21 season, added in a statement.
The club had already said on Thursday they were removing the logo of Gazprom from their jerseys following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gazprom’s Uefa Champions League sponsorship status is currently also in the balance.
Earlier last week, European governing body Uefa moved this year’s Champions League final to Paris from St Petersburg where it was scheduled to be played at Gazprom Arena, home to Russian Premier League side FC Zenit.
Russia’s gas giant, who sponsored Schalke since 2007, has been also announced as one of the sponsors for the next European Championship, to be played in 2024 in Germany. — Reuters