Shalke 04 ends their sponsorship affairs with Russia's Gazprom

Following Russian soldiers' incursions into Ukrainian territory, German second-tier team Schalke has declared that Gazprom sponsorship would be removed from the club's jerseys. 

With political turmoil in Eastern Europe rising, Russian armed forces have entered Ukraine on President Vladimir Putin's instructions. 

Schalke is among many who have terminated professional relations with Russia and leading firms in the region, taking a bold stand against internationally criticized measures.

A statement from Schalke on the club’s official website reads:

“In view of the events, development and escalation of the past few days, FC Schalke 04 has decided to remove the lettering of its main sponsor - 'GAZPROM' - from the jerseys.

“This step follows discussions with GAZPROM Germania. Instead, 'Schalke 04' will be on the chest of the Royal Blues.”

UEFA is also under pressure to end its partnership with Russian energy firm Gazprom, which has yet to declare whether the 2022

final would be held in Saint Petersburg on May 28. 

A letter sent to European football’s governing body from EU politicians reads:

“We call on you to stop considering Saint Petersburg and other Russian cities as venues for international football competitions and to choose as a first and very urgent step an alternative venue for the Champions League final on May 28, 2022.

“In addition, we appeal to you to convene a special meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee, to terminate cooperation with Gazprom as UEFA sponsor and to consider sanctions against individual Russian officials who are complicit in the violation of international law.”

Following the Russian advancement, professional football in Ukraine has been halted, with a number of players and coaches stuck in the region due to the lack of commercial flights.

Follow 

 for the