Arsenal Ends 'Visit Rwanda' Partnership Amid Political Crisis and Fan Protests

English football club Arsenal and the Rwandan government have announced the termination of their eight-year partnership, which saw the "Visit Rwanda" logo displayed on the team's shirt sleeves. The current contract is set to run until its scheduled end in June 2026.

The Athletic newspaper confirmed that this partnership had faced widespread criticism over recent years, particularly from human rights organizations. These groups accused the Rwandan government of repeated violations, alongside international allegations of supporting the M23 militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Concerns intensified with international reports, including Human Rights Watch's 2023 report, which highlighted political repression and the arrest of dissidents within the country.

Arsenal's fanbase also played a decisive role in shaping the club's stance. A survey conducted by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust revealed that over 90% of participants favored ending the partnership. This coincided with escalating protests from fan groups who believed the club's association with Rwanda was detrimental to its reputation.

As political tensions surrounding Rwanda increased, especially after Britain suspended aid to Kigali due to the situation in Congo, additional risks emerged that could threaten the stability of the club's commercial agreements.

An early termination of the contract was not particularly likely for Arsenal, given the significant complexities involved in withdrawing from the "Visit Rwanda" agreement and the potential for the club to incur a substantial financial deficit. However, Arsenal has now clarified its intention to pursue a different path.

Arsenal will secure a new sleeve sponsor starting from the 2026-2027 season. For its part, "Visit Rwanda" stated that it is "now focused on expanding this momentum to new sports and markets."