Manchester United cuts sponsorship with Russian state airline Aeroflot

The fallout for the sporting world of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to accelerate on Friday (25). Now, it is Manchester United’s turn to break the sponsorship agreement with Russian state airline Aeroflot.

The decision was made shortly after the UK government banned the company from entering British airspace. In addition, the country’s civil aviation authority has suspended Aeroflot’s foreign transport permit on British soil. These stances are part of the “largest and most draconian” package of sanctions the UK has ever imposed on Russia.

“In light of the events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn the sponsorship rights from Aeroflot. We share our concerns around the world and offer our condolences to those affected.”

Aeroflot was announced as the “Official Carrier” of the Red Devils in 2013. According to the club’s website, for the past nine years the airline has provided “strategic advice” on the team’s travel arrangements and charter services “whenever appropriate and necessary”.