United are believed to be looking to terminate their Aeroflot deal
Manchester United have refused to be drawn on calls for them to cancel their sponsorship with Russian airline, Aeroflot, despite reports claiming they are looking to terminate the deal as soon as possible.
Aeroflot were banned from trading in the UK on Thursday by the government as part of sanctions brought against Russia for their invasion of Ukraine.
On Friday morning, a United season ticket holder wrote to the club demanding clarification of the their stance on the official partnership with the airline. United sent the supporter a reply explaining the club “do not take positions on global geopolitical issues”.
“Our commercial partnership agreements are between Manchester United and the brands involved, not with any individual owner or related parties,” read the emailed response, which was tweeted by the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst.
“In relation to the specific situation referred to in your email, we hope you can understand that, as a football club with many fans from different countries and cultures, Manchester United does not take positions on geopolitical issues,” it continued.
Still no comment from #mufc on Aeroflot sponsorship. A season ticket holder wrote to the club this morning seeking clarification on the matter and Uefa’s sponsorship with Gazprom amid the Ukraine conflict. They have given me permission to share the response from United: pic.twitter.com/nXreN2u0el
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 25, 2022
Despite their tight-lipped response to the supporter, the BBC report that United’s legal advisers are looking at the contract with Aeroflot, with the expectation that it will be terminated.
United renewed their deal with Aeroflot in 2015, signing a five-year extension, which is due to expire in the summer of 2023.
Perhaps tellingly, United did not use an Aeroflot plane as they flew to and from Madrid in midweek for their Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid.
Related links:
- Everton set to remove pre-match siren following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- Zenit St Peteresburg exit Europa League after late VAR controversy
- Oleksandr Zinchenko attends protest against Russian invasion of Ukraine in Manchester
