Manchester United have issued a statement confirming they have ended their partnership with Russian-owned airways Aeroflot.
The airways company was banned from the UK amid sanctions imposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
United have been sponsored by the airline since 2013 but have now ended their agreement, which was renewed in a £40m deal in 2017.
A club statement read: “In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights.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.”
According to Mirror Football on Thursday, United were preparing to end the agreement as they looked to distance themselves from the situation.
The airways company is the national airline of Russia and has been described as the “official carrier” of Manchester United on the club’s website, although they did not use Aeroflot to fly to Madrid in midweek to face Atletico Madrid.
However, the club told a fan that it “does not take positions on geopolitical issues” after being contacted regarding the partnership via email.
“Thank you for your email regarding the club’s partnership with Aeroflot,” the United email read, via the Manchester Evening News.
“Our commercial partnership agreements are between Manchester United and the brands involved, not with any individual owner or related parties.
“In relation to the specific situation referred to in your email, we hope you can understand that, as a football club with fans from many different countries and cultures, Manchester United does not take positions on geopolitical issues.
“Your comments have been noted and passed on to the relevant person.”
United’s agreement was set to run out in the summer of 2023.
United are now looking to find a new airline to be official carriers with Qatar Airways among the options being considered.
