Arsenal have announced they will not extend their controversial sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda, ending an eight-year partnership that began in May 2018. Initially set as a three-year agreement, the deal was extended to 2026 at a reported £10 million per year.
The decision comes after growing criticism from supporters due to Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Supporter group Gunners for Peace staged protests, including covering the sponsor logo on kits and creating parody campaigns such as “Visit Tottenham,” expressing opposition to the partnership.
A club statement said:
“Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to conclude their partnership at the end of this season, bringing to a close an eight-season collaboration that included Visit Rwanda as Arsenal’s first Official Sleeve Partner.
The partnership has supported Rwanda’s ambition to become an international sporting hub in Africa and delivered grassroots football initiatives that helped hundreds of young players and coaches develop their skills.”
The split comes shortly after Atletico Madrid and PSG secured new deals with Visit Rwanda, both running until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Arsenal’s next steps will focus on diversifying sponsorship opportunities as the club continues its Premier League title charge this season.
