Arsenal Ends Visit Rwanda Sponsorship After Fan Protests And Political Controversy

‎Arsenal have confirmed that their controversial sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda will conclude in June.

‎The partnership, reportedly worth around £10m per year, has been in place since 2018. It has faced increasing criticism due to Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23 militia involved in the conflict in eastern DR Congo.

‎Tensions escalated in February when Arsenal were accused of snubbing the Congolese government by declining a meeting with foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner to discuss the agreement.

‎Visit Rwanda is an arm of the Rwanda Development Board, a ­government department, and it is widely believed that Arsenal signed and stuck by the partnership to grow their fan base in Africa.

‎The arrangement has now, however, come to an end after both parties “mutually agreed” to go their separate ways.

‎“Together, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have exceeded the original goals of the partnership promoting conservation and sustainable tourism, inspiring millions of supporters to discover the country, and creating a lasting foundation for tourism growth,” read an Arsenal statement.

‎“The ­partnership has also supported Rwanda’s ambition to become an international sporting hub in Africa and host more global sporting events whilst delivering grassroots football initiatives that have helped hundreds of young players and coaches develop their skills and inspire greater participation in sport across the country.”

‎Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s chief executive officer, described the ­partnership as a “significant ­journey” and claimed it had been “driving ­forward” the club’s ambitions.

‎However, a section of Arsenal’s fanbase saw the partnership very differently. The campaign group Gunners for Peace staged a protest outside the Emirates during the Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG in April, holding a banner that read “Drop Visit Rwanda”.

‎They also handed out armbands for supporters to cover the “Visit Rwanda” logo on the team’s kits.

‎That same month, PSG extended its Visit Rwanda sponsorship through 2028, while Atlético Madrid agreed a new deal for the same duration.

‎The agreement will see the Visit Rwanda logo featured on both the men’s and women’s shirts of the Spanish club.