FC Schalke 04, a professional German soccer club, is removing the patch of a Russian majority state-owned energy company after Vladimir Putin‘s armed forces invaded Ukraine, a sovereign nation.
“Following recent developments, FC Schalke 04 have decided to remove the logo of main sponsor GAZPROM from the club’s shirts,” the club announced in a statement.
“It will be replaced by lettering reading ‘Schalke 04’ instead.”
Gazprom — the largest natural gas company in the world — is the club’s biggest sponsor … and the company name is prominently displayed across the player’s chests on their jerseys.
Of course, after weeks of increased tensions, Russia invaded Ukraine, launching a full-fledged attack against the country.
Dozens of people have already reportedly died.
FC Schalke 04 wasn’t alone in working with the powerful energy company. UEFA, the governing body that oversees European soccer, also has a business relationship with Gazprom.
Unlike FC Schalke 04, UEFA hasn’t opted (at least not yet) to cut ties with the company … though they did release a statement condemning the attacks.
“UEFA shares the international community’s significant concern for the security situation developing in Europe and strongly condemns the ongoing Russian military invasion of Ukraine.”
That’s not to say the soccer body hasn’t taken any action against Russia. The country was scheduled to host the Champions League final in Spring, but UEFA decided to pull the game.
They haven’t yet named a replacement city.
With no end in sight for Putin’s invasion, expect to see more players, teams and leagues unaffiliate themselves with Russia.