Borussia Dortmund has confirmed it will not extend its controversial commercial partnership with the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
The decision, which was announced by club chairman Carsten Cramer, ensures that the three-year agreement will officially conclude on June 30, 2027, according to the club’s official announcement.
The partnership faced significant backlash from supporters since its inception in 2024 due to the company’s historical role in weapons manufacturing during both World Wars.
Club members formally demanded an end to the deal during the 2024 annual general meeting, prompting the board to reconsider the financial arrangement.
Cramer acknowledged the intensity of the fan response, stating, “We are, of course, aware that our partnership has been controversial from the outset.”
The sponsorship deal was reportedly worth up to 9 million euros annually, and its conclusion will create a notable deficit in the team’s future commercial revenue, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The club must now navigate these financial constraints, with Cramer noting, “From summer 2027, we will lose the income from the sponsorship agreement. That is a fact. It reduces our financial room for manoeuvre.”
While the boardroom addresses the budget, the team remains competitive on the field under head coach Niko Kovac.
Dortmund currently sits in second place in the Bundesliga standings with 21 points, trailing league leaders Bayern Munich only by goal difference, per Goal.
The squad is preparing for its next league fixture, an away match against Borussia Monchengladbach scheduled for November 21.
The club intends to re-evaluate its investment strategies to compensate for the lost revenue streams once the current contract expires.