Bayern ends Rwanda tourism sponsorship after criticism
Yesterday Bayern announced its partnership with the African nation, initially signed in 2023 and set to run until 2028, would shift to focus on a youth academy.
"The new arrangement transitions away from a commercial sponsorship to a dedicated partnership focusing on football development in Rwanda through the expansion of the FC Bayern Youth Academy in Kigali," Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said in a statement.
The statement did not expressly mention the underlying reasons for the shift, but German media on Friday widely reported the decision was motivated by criticism as a result of the escalating conflict.
In February, Bayern fans held up a banner at a home game saying the deal "betrayed the values" of the club.
The Rwandan government has been accused of disregarding human rights and supporting rebels fighting against government forces in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At the beginning of this year, violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo intensified.
The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group and Rwandan troops seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, in January, and then Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, in February.
The UN estimates thousands have died as a result of the attacks.
The deal included 'Visit Rwanda' advertising at Bayern's 75,000-seat Allianz Arena home ground and replaced a controversial deal with Qatar, which was also criticised by the club's supporters.
Following criticism of the previous deal, Bayern sent staff to Rwanda to assess the situation on the ground. The new contract runs until 2028.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Zverev dominates in Cincinnati Open, Shelton advances after injury
GERMAN third seed Alexander Zverev delivered a commanding performance to defeat American Nishesh Basavareddy 6-3 6-3 in the Cincinnati Open second round. Zverev, the 2021 champion, did not face a single break point and sealed the match with one of his 12 aces. The German will next meet American Brandon Nakashima in the third round. Fresh from his Canadian Open triumph, Ben Shelton advanced when Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli retired due to a knee injury. Shelton was leading by a set and a break when Ugo Carabelli withdrew in the second set. The American will now face Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, who earlier defeated Britain's Cam Norrie 6-4 6-3. Carlos Alcaraz overcame a mid-match slump to beat Bosnian Damir Dzumhur 6-1 2-6 6-3. The Spaniard struggled with unforced errors in the second set before regaining control to secure victory. 'I have to be better, for sure,' Alcaraz said after the match. He will next play Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic in the third round. Second seed Coco Gauff overcame early serving struggles to defeat China's Wang Xinyu 6-3 6-2. Gauff, despite eight double faults in the first set, converted all five break points to set up a clash with Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska. 'I had a shaky start with the serve but I was able to push through,' Gauff said post-match. Fourth seed Jessica Pegula eased past Australia's Kimberly Birrell 6-4 6-3 in a straightforward victory. American Reilly Opelka thrilled the home crowd by defeating sixth seed Alex de Minaur 7-6(6) 6-4.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Rumble considers near $1.2 billion offer for German AI cloud group Northern Data
(Reuters) -U.S.-listed video platform Rumble is considering a potential offer of about $1.17 billion (1 billion euro) for German AI cloud group Northern Data AG, according to separate statements from the companies and Reuters calculations. Rumble, also a cloud services provider, said a deal would integrate Northern Data's data center business and GPU cloud business with a significant number of Nvidia GPUs, into Rumble's existing operations. Rumble is considering offering 2.319 shares for each Northern Data share, both companies said. The exchange values Northern Data at about $18.3 per share (about 15.69 euros per share), based on Reuters calculations. This is at a discount of about 32% to the German company's last close. Rumble said its proposed offer assumes Northern Data's Peak Mining unit will be divested prior to the completion of the deal. Tether, the majority shareholder of Northern Data, has expressed support for the transaction, according to the statements. However, the companies said there is no certainty that the discussions will eventually result in a formal offer for the German group. (1 euro = $1.1664) (Reporting by Surbhi Misra and Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Senegal's Foreign Minister arrives for two-day official visit
PUTRAJAYA: Senegal's Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, will make a two-day official visit to Malaysia starting Monday (Aug 11) to strengthen bilateral relations. In a statement, Wisma Putra said the visit reciprocates the official visit by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to Senegal in May 2024. Yassine is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Mohamad, who will also host a luncheon in her honour, the statement read. "The two Foreign Ministers are expected to take stock of progress on bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as trade and economy, education, health, the halal industry, and capacity building," it said. They are also expected to discuss and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Middle East and West Africa. During her visit, Fall is scheduled to meet Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani; Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong and Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan. Malaysia and Senegal established diplomatic relations in 1986 and have since maintained cordial and constructive ties through cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral platforms. The visit by Fall is anticipated to further reinforce this enduring and growing partnership. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Senegal reached RM1.37bil, with Malaysia's exports to Senegal valued at RM1.35bil and imports at RM14.1mil. From January to June 2025, total trade was recorded at RM789.20mil with Malaysia's exports to Senegal valued at RM781.92mil and imports at RM7.28mil. - Bernama
