Arsenal Ends Visit Rwanda Deal After Eight Years Amid Rising Pressure
Club Confirms Exit After Months of Debate
Arsenal will end its eight-year sleeve-shirt partnership with Visit Rwanda at the end of the season, closing a sponsorship that sparked global debate. The club and the Rwanda Development Board agreed to conclude the deal, which has earned Arsenal more than £10 million a year since 2018. The agreement helped boost Rwanda’s tourism campaigns, yet supporters raised ethical concerns throughout its lifespan.
Supporters Push for Change and Welcome the Exit
Fan pressure grew steadily. In April, a group of Arsenal supporters launched a bold campaign calling for the sponsorship to stop. They placed a satirical “Visit Tottenham” billboard outside the Emirates and urged the club to choose a more ethical partner. Consequently, several groups celebrated the decision.
The Gay Gooners, Arsenal’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ community, openly backed the move. “As a group, we have been uncomfortable with the deal from the start,” they said. “In our survey, only 2 per cent of members supported renewing the sponsorship, while 86 per cent wanted it to end.”
They also highlighted concerns about Rwanda’s record on LGBTQ+ rights.
DR Congo Conflict Intensifies Global Scrutiny
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo added more heat to the conversation. Rwanda faces repeated accusations of backing M23 rebels, who continue to displace millions. As the conflict escalated, the DRC government urged Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich to terminate what it called “blood-stained deals.”
Activist groups such as Gunners for Peace then staged protests outside the stadium, handed out armbands to cover the logo, and released a spoof “Visit Tottenham” video.
Arsenal Thanks Rwanda but Faces New Ethical Questions
Chief executive Richard Garlick praised the partnership, saying it created “a significant journey” and strengthened Arsenal’s presence across Africa. He thanked the Rwanda Development Board for its commitment and support.However, critics argue that Arsenal still works with Emirates, whose government has links to the RSF militia in Sudan. As a result, they want the club to re-examine all controversial sponsors, not just one.
