The German giant has called it quits with the Russian Football Federation after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. “Adidas is suspending its partnership with Russian Football Federation (RFS) with immediate effect” a spokesperson for Adidas was quoted as saying by beIN Sports.
The action is followed after the sanctions pressed against Russia in the sporting world in terms of representation and play as FIFA had banned the national team and women’s national team from appearing in the semi-final play-offs set to be held in Qatar and the European Championships in England this summer, respectively. Russia was due to play against Poland in the semi-final playoffs but the football associations have announced together, their unwillingness to be present in attendance.
Elsewhere, German club Schalke ended their deal with Gazprom, Spartak Moscow has been kicked out of the Europa League and Manchester United came forward to cut ties with their Russian sponsor, Aeroflot in solidarity with the people and country of Ukraine.
Adidas has served as a major kit manufacturer of the country since 2008 and has also designed the World Cup gear for the year 2018 with their deal set to expire at the end of this year.
The various governing bodies of sports around the world have taken impulse decisions regarding the representation of Russia during the ongoing horrific crisis. The IOC, UEFA, FIFA and other international federations have announced their reluctance in letting the Russian national team play. “Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine”, FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement.