Manchester United is preparing to terminate its sponsorship arrangement with Russian carrier Aeroflot as a result of the escalating conflict in Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country, the English behemoths are eager to disassociate themselves from the company.
Since 2013, Aeroflot has been a key sponsor of United.
United extended the contract in 2017 in a transaction worth roughly £40 million.
The existing agreement is slated to expire in the summer of 2023, and United’s new CEO, Richard Arnold, has stated that he has no plans to renew it.
Ralf Rangnick and his team traveled to Spain this week on Titan, an alternative airline, for their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
It means that United is now attempting to strike a deal with a different airline to become the club’s official carrier, with Qatar Airways being one option under consideration.
Aeroflot is Russia’s national airline, serving 146 locations in 52 countries.
However, United recognizes the potential harm to the club’s reputation and economic appeal if it continues to be affiliated with Aeroflot.
And, if the US government decides to impose sanctions on Russian corporations, including barring Aeroflot from entering the country, United’s American owners, the Glazers, will face major penalties unless the arrangement with the airline is terminated.
Aeroflot flew United’s stars and officials around the world and offered travel guidance.
United’s nine-year partnership with them was worth about £100 million in total.
Earlier this week, it was discovered that, due to the growing tension between Russia and Ukraine, UEFA may be obliged to relocate this season’s Champions League Final from St Petersburg to another location.
