Military equipment sector - Leftists lambaste BVB over partnership with Rheinmetall.
The partnership between Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund and the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has faced backlash from the left in North Rhine-Westphalia. Spokesman Sascha H. Wagner expressed his disapproval, stating, "Sports should unite people and nations. A marketing agreement with a company involved in heinous destruction, pain, and death through weapon production shouldn't have any positive effect on sports education." He deemed it a "dirty play": "Rheinmetall profits from death." Consequently, he urged the club to "with the current military tensions, reverse this immoral arrangement."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Economics Minister Mona Neubaur expressed a more measured response. "It's true that the public perception of the company has shifted in the past two years - even for me personally," said the Green politician to the German Press Agency. "We need companies like Rheinmetall to safeguard our democracy and freedom in times of crisis." However, she acknowledged the controversy, noting, "The arms industry isn't just like any other industry. So, it's understandable why the fans perceive the sponsorship with mixed feelings."
On Wednesday, BVB and Rheinmetall disclosed their collaboration publicly. A spokesperson for the Düsseldorf company declined to comment on the monetary scale, but according to "Handelsblatt," it is a high-single-digit million euro amount annually. The collaboration entails usage of prominent promotional spots, advertising rights, as well as event and hospitality offers in the stadium and club premises. Rheinmetall will serve as the "Champion Partner" of BVB, the financially crucial sponsor.
Statement from BVB and Rheinmetall.
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- Despite the controversy, Borussia Dortmund (BVB) continues to participate in the Bundesliga, using Rheinmetall as their "Champion Partner" for significant promotional opportunities and financial benefits.
- The armaments group, Rheinmetall, is involved in a partnership with Borussia Dortmund (BVB), a move that has sparked strong opposition from left-wing groups in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- The socially-conscious Borussia Dortmund (BVB) fans have expressed concerns about the club's partnership with Rheinmetall, which has a history in the death, destruction, and production of weapons.
- In the face of criticism from both fans and political figures, the Bundesliga team, Borussia Dortmund (BVB), continues to collaborate with the defense industry giant, Rheinmetall, in their common marketing objectives.
- Local politics in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has been heated, with the left-wingers criticizing Borussia Dortmund (BVB) for their collaboration with Armaments group Rheinmetall, a factor leading to negative publicity.
- The German Bundesliga's Borussia Dortmund (BVB) has recently signed a lucrative partnership with the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, leading to a fierce debate in the league, reflecting the complexities and divisiveness of Germany's defense industry.
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