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Arsenal Football Club has confirmed that its disputed sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda will come to an end in June of next year.

Background and Scrutiny

The partnership, reportedly valued at around ten million pounds each year, was initiated six years ago and has since been heavily criticized.

Such scrutiny stems from accusations of Rwandan assistance for the M23 forces in continuing hostilities in the eastern part of the bordering Congo.

Months ago, Arsenal was criticized for delivering an "outrageous" snub to the authorities in Congo by not arranging a meeting with Congolese diplomat Thérèse Wagner to address the sponsorship.

Agreement Framework and Goals

Visit Rwanda functions as a division of the Rwanda's development authority, which is a state institution.

It is widely believed that Arsenal entered into and upheld this partnership chiefly to increase their fanbase in Africa.

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

“Collaboratively, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have surpassed the original goals of the partnership – promoting conservation and eco-friendly travel, motivating countless fans to discover the country, and establishing a durable base for travel industry expansion,” read an Gunners' release.

The release further noted that the partnership has also supported Rwanda's objective to emerge as an international sporting hub in Africa and stage additional international competitions while delivering community soccer programs that have assisted numerous youth athletes and coaches improve their techniques and promote increased engagement in athletics nationwide.

Leadership View and Supporter Response

Richard Garlick, Arsenal's top executive, characterized the deal as a “major expedition” and stated it had been “propelling” the club's goals.

Yet this view was contested by a portion of the Gunners' supporters, with the campaign group Gunners for Peace holding rallies outside the Emirates Stadium during the first semi-final encounter in Europe's premier competition against Paris Saint-Germain in late April.

Demonstrators showed a sign stating “Terminate the Visit Rwanda Partnership” and handed out sleeves to hide the Visit Rwanda logo on jerseys.

Broader Context and Other Clubs

During that period, PSG renewed their partnership deal with Visit Rwanda through 2028.

At the same time, Atlético Madrid entered a new agreement for the same period that has caused the emblem appearing on the Spanish club's first-team and women's team jerseys.