Borussia Dortmund has a chance to etch its name in the 21st-century football history books. The German outfit faces Real Madrid in Saturday's Champions League final as it looks to win the competition for the first time since 1997.
However, Dortmund made headlines off the pitch Friday after signing a sponsorship contract with a German weapons dealer, via Sebastian Stafford-Bloor and Colin Millar of The Athletic.
“Borussia Dortmund have signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall,” they said. “The logo of the arms company will be displayed on Dortmund’s licensed products ahead of the club’s Champions League final against Real Madrid on June 1 and will be displayed on stadium advertising boards and during press conferences — but it will not appear on players’ shirts.”
The writers clarified that Rheinmetall will get promoted by the club in as many ways as possible, despite not getting stitched onto its jerseys.
“The German club say the agreement will see Rheinmetall gain ‘the use of wide-reaching advertising space, marketing rights and event and hospitality arrangements in the stadium and on the club grounds.' It is the first time that a Bundesliga club have agreed a sponsorship with a German defence company.”
What does this mean for the club's future and its fanbase?
Dortmund is setting a troubling trend ahead of the Champions League final
Fans were unhappy about the announcement across the board. The German Peace Society has already called for the club to end the agreement. Michael Schulze von Glasser, its managing director and resident Dortmund fan, gave an official statement.
“I am very shocked. I would never have expected that BVB would even consider entering into a partnership with an arms company,” he said. He claimed to be disturbed “as a Dortmund fan and peace activist.”
Football legend Gary Lineker even chimed in, making it clear who he's aligning with in the Champions League final after this announcement, via X.
“First time I’ll be cheering for @realmadriden in a Champions League final. 🙄”
Despite the negative reaction, Dortmund doesn't seem concerned. Hans-Joachim Watzke, the club's chairman, defended the move.
“Security and defence are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy,” he said. “Especially today, when we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new (normal).”
Follow Us
Subscribe
