Manchester United end Aeroflot partnership

Aeroflot was the club’s Official Carrier since 2013.

Premier League giants Manchester United have terminated their sponsorship partnership with the Russian national airline following Russia invading Ukraine, Aeroflot. Aeroflot, who were the club’s Official Carrier since 2013, has been barred by the United Kingdom government from operating in the country.

Manchester United released a statement that read,

“In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected.”

A season ticket holder even mailed the Premier League club demanding an explanation about the sponsorship stance.

The club replied stating,

‘Our commercial partnership agreements are between Manchester United and the brands involved, not with any individual owner or related parties.

‘In relation to the specific situation referred to in your email, we hope you can understand that, as a football club with fans from many different countries and cultures, Manchester United does not take positions on geopolitical issues.”

Aeroflot partnered with the club first in 2013, and the partnership was renewed in 2017, with the current deal supposed to last till 2023 and reportedly worth around £30 million.

Aside from United dropping Aeroflot, UEFA has also moved the 2022 Champions League final from St. Petersburg, Russia to Paris, France. 

Manchester United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick also addressed the current crisis in Ukraine, stating:

“I think everybody has the same opinion about what’s happening there. This is just a human disaster what’s happening there for all the people involved. The whole situation is desperately sad.

“When I watch TV in the morning and the evening I still cannot believe what I see. This is just a terrible situation and I very much help the politicians all over the world deescalate the situation and what’s happening there.”

United did not employ Aeroflot on Wednesday when they flew to Spain to face Atlético de Madrid for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, but instead flew in Titan Airways.