Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Manchester United on Friday has announced its withdrawal of sponsorship rights from Russian Airline Aeroflot.
After President Vladimir Putin's command to invade Ukraine, Russia's Aeroflot was banned from flying to the United Kingdom on Thursday. The UK Civil Aviation Authority announced that Aeroflot's foreign carrier permit has been suspended.
“In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected," a Premier League club spokesperson said.
Aeroflot became United Manchester's first Russian sponsor in 2013, when it replaced Turkish Airlines as the club's airline partner.
Several sporting organisations have criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the nation was deprived of its hosting rights for the Champions League final in May on Friday, while Formula One said that the Grand Prix in Sochi will be cancelled.
