Nike has announced that it has ended its long-term sponsorship deal with Russian Premier League soccer club Spartak Moscow. The US sporting goods manufacturer has been a sponsor of the club since 2005.
The decision follows the announcement by European Football Association (UEFA) that it will ban Russian teams from their competitions in light of the war in Ukraine. The decision affects the Champions League, the Europa League and the Women’s Champions League.
“Following UEFA’s decision to ban all Russian clubs from UEFA competitions, Nike has informed FC Spartak Moscow that we will no longer be their shirt sponsor,” said Nike.
Nike’s move comes in line with the brand’s previous decision to temporarily close its stores in Russia, which it announced in March 2022, saying it was “deeply concerned by the devastating crisis in Ukraine.”
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.