Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Adidas Suspends Partnership With Russian Football Federation

Adidas' decision comes after Manchester United reported they have finished their £40million deal with Russian-possessed aircraft company Aeroflot.

Adidas Champions League match ball on the pitch (getty photo)

New Delhi: In an ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the sports equipment giant Adidas has suspended partnership with the Russian football federation, said spokesperson as reported by news agency AFP.

#BREAKING Adidas suspends partnership with Russian football federation: spokesperson #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/Q9BBNOyCPs

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 1, 2022

“Adidas is suspending its partnership with the Russian Football Union (RFU) with immediate effect,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

The German sportswear giants have served as the nation's kit manufacturer starting around 2008, designing the shirts for their home World Cup in 2018.

In any case, they have put their agreement with the Russian national team on hold as of now as the death toll rises in Eastern Europe.

Adidas' decision comes after Manchester United reported they have finished their £40million deal with Russian-possessed aircraft company Aeroflot.

A club statement read: "In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights.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."

“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine,” FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement.

“Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

UEFA also ended its sponsorship with Russian energy giant Gazprom.