Man Utd end Aeroflot sponsorship deal after Ukraine invasion
Friday February 25 2022
Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred, Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (AFP)
Manchester United said Friday they had "withdrawn" sponsorship rights from Russia's flagship carrier Aeroflot after President Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The British government on Thursday imposed a biting package of sanctions on Moscow, which included banning the airline from UK airspace.
Moscow subsequently banned all UK-linked planes, including transiting flights, from its airspace.
"In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights," United said in a statement.
"We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected."
Manchester United announced Aeroflot as its "official carrier" in 2013.