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The North London club has declared that its disputed sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda will come to an end in the coming June.

Origins and Examination

The arrangement, estimated to cost around £10m per year, was initiated six years ago and has since faced significant scrutiny.

The backlash stems from the country's reported backing for the M23 forces in persistent fighting in the eastern part of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Earlier this year, Arsenal was accused of issuing a severe rebuff to the authorities in Congo by declining to meet with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner to address the sponsorship.

Agreement Framework and Goals

Visit Rwanda operates as a branch of the Rwanda Development Board, which is a public entity.

Many speculate that Arsenal committed to and continued this partnership mainly to grow their following across the continent.

However, the deal has now ended after both parties “collectively determined” to part ways.

“Jointly, Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have outperformed the original goals of the partnership – promoting conservation and eco-friendly travel, inspiring millions of supporters to discover the country, and establishing a durable base for visitor increase,” stated an Gunners' release.

The release further noted that the partnership has also supported Rwanda's ambition to become an worldwide athletic destination in Africa and host more global sporting events while implementing grassroots football initiatives that have assisted numerous youth athletes and coaches enhance their abilities and inspire greater participation in sport across the country.

Leadership View and Supporter Response

Richard Garlick, Arsenal's top executive, described the partnership as a “significant journey” and claimed it had been “advancing” the club's ambitions.

Yet this view was contested by a segment of the club's followers, with the protest movement Gunners Supporting Peace holding rallies outside the club's home ground during the initial Champions League semi-final match against the French club in the end of April.

Demonstrators showed a banner that read “End the Rwanda Deal” and provided wristbands to hide the Visit Rwanda logo on kits.

Broader Context and Other Clubs

Around that time, the French champions continued their sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda until 2028.

At the same time, the Spanish club entered a new agreement for the same period that has caused the logo being carried on the La Liga side's first-team and women's team jerseys.