Arsenal to end criticized Rwanda sponsorship

After eight years, the controversial campaign is ending. Arsenal announced they are ending the sponsorship with Rwanda in 2026. The deal is the only one which can be branded as ‘controversial‘ by the Gunners‘ supporters, considering Rwanda‘s participation in hostilities against DR Congo. The deal was signed in 2018 (10 million pounds per year) but soon it became troublesome due to Rwanda’s support for the M23 ­militia in conflicts taking place in the eastern part of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. In February, Arsenal were criticized for not meeting the Congolese ­foreign minister, ­Therese ­Kayikwamba Wagner, to ­discuss the deal.

Don’t ‘Visit Rwanda’, ‘Visit Tottenham’ instead

Arsenal issued a lengthy statement full of general observations and without a proper reason for ending the sponsorship.

“Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to conclude their partnership at the end of this season. The move reflects Visit Rwanda’s broader strategy to diversify its global sports partnerships and expand into new markets that support the next phase of its tourism and investment ambitions. 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. 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“ reads the statement.

Criticized worldwide: President of Rwanda against Arsenal

"Visit Rwanda" sponsorship deal is another problem for Arsenal

Arsenal are not the only club to end the partnership with this African country. Bayern Munich did the same earlier this year, amid mounting pressure from supporters, just like Gunners. But president Paul Kagame, who is a long-time Arsenal supporter and has use of an executive box at the Emirates still has a lucrative deal with the European champions PSG, while they secured a new club recently. Atletico Madrid signed a fresh deal until 2028 that has led to the logo being carried on the ­Spanish club’s men’s and women’s shirts.