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The North London club has confirmed that its disputed sponsorship arrangement with Visit Rwanda will come to an end in the coming June.

Background and Scrutiny

This deal, reportedly valued at around £10m per year, was first established and has since been heavily criticized.

This criticism stems from Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 militia in ongoing conflicts in the eastern part of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In February, Arsenal was criticized for committing a disrespectful act to the Congolese government by failing to convene with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner to address the sponsorship.

Agreement Framework and Goals

Visit Rwanda serves as an arm of the Rwanda Development Board, which is a state institution.

There is broad consensus that Arsenal signed and continued this partnership mainly to grow their following across the continent.

However, the partnership has now terminated after both parties “collectively determined” to part ways.

“Together, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have outperformed the primary aims of the partnership – supporting environmental protection and eco-friendly travel, motivating countless fans to visit the nation, and creating a lasting foundation for visitor increase,” declared an club announcement.

The statement continued that the partnership has also supported Rwanda's ambition to become an global sports center in Africa and welcome more worldwide tournaments while executing grassroots football initiatives that have supported many aspiring footballers and coaches develop their skills and encourage more involvement in athletics nationwide.

Leadership View and Supporter Response

Richard Garlick, Arsenal's top executive, described the partnership as a “important voyage” and claimed it had been “propelling” the club's goals.

Yet this view was contested by a segment of the club's followers, with the protest movement Gunners Supporting Peace holding rallies outside the Emirates Stadium during the initial Champions League semi-final match against Paris Saint-Germain in the end of April.

Activists unveiled a placard declaring “End the Rwanda Deal” and handed out sleeves to hide the Rwanda branding on uniforms.

Industry Perspective and Fellow Clubs

Around that time, the French champions extended their sponsorship arrangement with Visit Rwanda until 2028.

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid signed a fresh deal for the same period that has led to the logo being carried on the La Liga side's men's and women's shirts.