Borussia Dortmund ends partnership with arms company following fan protests
The German club Borussia Dortmund announced on Friday that it will not renew its commercial contract with Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms manufacturer, following protests from fans.
According to AFP, this three-year contract, signed in 2024, faced opposition from some Dortmund fans from the start. Some fans expressed their disapproval of the club’s partnership with the arms company by displaying protest banners and holding gatherings outside the stadium.
Carsten Cramer, the managing director of Dortmund, confirmed the end of the partnership in 2027, saying, ‘We are aware of the criticisms from our club members and sections of our fans.’
He recalled that club members had voted at the 2024 general assembly not to renew the contract with Rheinmetall after 2027.
Rheinmetall, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is one of the largest manufacturers of military equipment, including tanks, artillery, air defense systems, and munitions.