The recent announcement of a sponsorship deal between Borussia Dortmund and German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has sparked major protests among Dortmund supporters. The supporter association Südtribüne Dortmund, representing over 90 Dortmund fan groups, has strongly opposed the partnership. They believe that the club’s decision to align with an arms company goes against their values and undermines the club’s public image.
Rheinmetall, the world’s largest maker of artillery ammunition, has a controversial history dating back to World Wars. The company has faced criticism for its use of forced labor during World War II and its involvement in the production of military weapons. The recent sponsorship deal with Borussia Dortmund has only added fuel to the fire, with fans expressing their outrage over the partnership.
In response to the sponsorship deal, Dortmund supporters are planning to stage protests during the upcoming Bundesliga season. They are calling on all fans attending matches to voice their opposition to the deal by displaying signs and banners expressing their criticism. The timing of the announcement, just days before the Champions League final, has further fueled speculation that the club was trying to divert attention away from the controversial decision.
Despite the backlash from fans, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke has defended the sponsorship deal. He argued that in a time when freedom is being threatened in Europe, it is important to adapt to a new normality. However, fans remain unconvinced and are determined to make their opposition to the deal known.
The controversy surrounding Borussia Dortmund’s sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by football clubs when entering into partnerships with questionable entities. The protests by Dortmund supporters serve as a reminder that fans have a powerful voice and can hold clubs accountable for their actions. It remains to be seen how the club will address the concerns raised by its loyal supporters and whether the partnership will have long-lasting repercussions on the club’s reputation.