🔗 Share this article The Gunners' Debated Sponsorship Deal with Visit Rwanda Is Ending In the Upcoming Season Arsenal Football Club has confirmed that its much-debated sponsorship partnership with Visit Rwanda will terminate in the coming June. Context and Criticism The arrangement, estimated to cost around £10m per year, began in 2018 and has since been heavily criticized. The backlash arises from accusations of Rwandan assistance for the M23 rebel group in persistent fighting in the eastern areas of the bordering Congo. In February, Arsenal faced allegations of committing a disrespectful act to the government of the DRC by not arranging a meeting with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner to address the sponsorship. Deal Composition and Aims Visit Rwanda functions as a division of the Rwanda Development Board, which is a state institution. There is broad consensus that Arsenal committed to and continued this partnership primarily to expand their following across the continent. Nonetheless, the partnership has now terminated after both parties “collectively determined” to go their separate ways. “Together, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have exceeded the primary aims of the partnership – promoting conservation and responsible tourism, inspiring millions of supporters to explore Rwanda, and creating a lasting foundation for travel industry expansion,” read an club announcement. The release further noted that the partnership has also supported Rwanda's goal of becoming an global sports center in Africa and welcome more worldwide tournaments while executing local football projects that have supported many aspiring footballers and coaches develop their skills and inspire greater participation in athletics nationwide. Leadership View and Supporter Response Richard Garlick, Arsenal's CEO, characterized the deal as a “significant journey” and asserted it had been “propelling” the club's ambitions. Yet this view was contested by a section of Arsenal's fanbase, with the protest movement Arsenal Peace Advocates staging protests outside the North London venue during the first semi-final encounter in Europe's premier competition against Paris Saint-Germain in April's conclusion. Activists unveiled a sign stating “End the Rwanda Deal” and handed out sleeves to cover up the Rwanda branding on uniforms. Broader Context and Other Clubs Around that time, Paris Saint-Germain extended their sponsorship arrangement with Visit Rwanda through 2028. Meanwhile, the Spanish club signed a fresh deal for the equivalent timeframe that has led to the emblem appearing on the La Liga side's men's and women's shirts.