UEFA is tearing up its sponsorship contract with Gazprom, the European Football Association said in a statement. This results in a significant loss of income for UEFA, because the Russian natural gas company was a loyal sponsor for approximately 40 million euros annually. The current contract ran until mid-2024, but there was no reason to believe that either side would not move on after that.
The decision to cut all ties with Gazprom was taken on Monday, UEFA reports. The gas company is known for its commercials during Champions League matches, with which the Russians have been increasing the name recognition of the state-owned company since 2012. Gazprom also sponsored country tournaments. For example, UEFA had a major deal with Gazprom for the European Championship 2024 in Germany, an agreement that has now also been cancelled.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, more sponsorship contracts in top football were canceled. Gazprom previously ran into problems with Schalke 04, of which the gas company had been a shirt sponsor since 2007. The Königsblauen announced Thursday after the invasion immediately to remove Gazprom from the shirt and announced on Monday that it would permanently end the relationship with the main sponsor. The contract worth nine million euros per year ran until mid-2025.
Manchester United announced Friday in an official statement that the sponsor deal with Aeroflot is ending. The Russian airline has served as the regular carrier of the Red Devils and paid nearly fifty million euros annually. UEFA has already moved the Champions League final this season from Saint Petersburg to Paris. FIFA and UEFA announced on Monday that Russian teams have been banned from international football.