Borussia Dortmund partners with Rheinmetall amidst fan backlash
Rheinmetall, the largest ammunition manufacturer in Europe, has become a sponsor of Borussia Dortmund for the next three years. The club explains, "Security and defence are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy." Borussia will play in the Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund will play in the Champions League final on June 1 in London against Real Madrid. The German team last reached the final in 2013, while the "Los Blancos" have won the cup fourteen times.
Before the Champions League final, there has been no shortage of controversy. Borussia Dortmund announced a marketing agreement with the German arms company just before the event.
Rheinmetall and Borussia Dortmund
According to The Athletic, the Rheinmetall logo will not appear on the players' jerseys but will be displayed on advertising boards during Borussia's matches and at press conferences. The German club has never signed a contract with an arms manufacturer before.
Security and defence are fundamental cornerstones of our democracy. Especially today, when we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new (normal) - said Hans-Joachim Watzke, club president, quoted by The Athletic.
The Rheinmetall company was founded in 1889 in Düsseldorf, about 75 kilometres southwest of Dortmund. It is the largest ammunition manufacturer in Europe and produces various armoured combat vehicles and combat drones.
Fans have expressed opposition to the club's decision. Some of them are demanding the contract be terminated.
