Adidas suspends partnership with Russian football after Ukraine invasion

Russia is also suspended from playing international football

Sportswear giant Adidas has suspended partnership with the Russian Football Federation. Their decision came after Russia invaded Ukraine.

"Adidas is suspending its partnership with the Russian Football Federation (RFS) with immediate effect," an Adidas spokesperson was quoted as saying by beIN Sports.

Back in 2020, the company generated 2.9 per cent of its turnover in the “Russia, Ukraine and CIS" regions.

German club Schalke 04 also suspended its partnership with the Russian company after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier, the UEFA also ended its sponsorship with Russian energy company Gazprom. FIFA, the global football governing body, has asked Russia to play games without its national flag and national anthem at neutral venues. But thereafter, FIFAwent ahead and suspended Russia, who were the host of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. “Adidas is suspending its partnership with the Russian Football Federation (RFS) with immediate effect," a spokesman of the company was quoted as saying.

“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. 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,” 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.”

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee also recommended suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from major international competitions, condemning their invasion of Ukraine.