Rüstung: BVB beendet umstrittene Partnerschaft mit Rheinmetall
Der Bundesligist verlängert den Deal mit dem Rüstungskonzern nach Kritik von Fans und Mitgliedern nicht. Vor allem Borussia-Präsident Watzke stand lange hinter dem Geschäft.
Borussia Dortmund has ended its controversial sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer Rheinmetal. The contract, which was set to expire in summer 2027, will not be renewed after three years. This decision was mutually agreed upon by the football club and the Düsseldorf-based company. The BVB's chief executive Carsten Cramer acknowledged the ongoing criticism from fans and members of the club regarding the partnership.
"We are aware of the criticism from our members and some fans," Cramer stated. The agreement was signed in May 2024 for a three-year term. From the outset, the collaboration generated significant opposition within the fan community. In November 2024, BVB members voted against extending the contract, but the decision did not bind the club's management.
BVB President Hans-Joachim Watzke, who had previously defended the controversial sponsorship deal, now appears more critical. "I underestimated how many Borussia supporters, decent people, told me: We are not against Rheinmetall. We just don't want Borussia Dortmund advertising for someone who manufactures weapons," Watzke said in the podcast "Ausgerechnet." While Watzke does not necessarily have to adopt this stance, he has accepted it fully.
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