Sponsoring - 'Negative effects': Rostock sponsor confirms termination of employment
Main sponsor Splendid Drinks has, for the first time, commented on the termination of its contract with FC Hansa Rostock, confirming "repeated fan riots" as the reason for this step.
"Unfortunately, repeated incidents in the fan environment of the club Hansa Rostock have led to the partnership with the club having negative effects on the perception of our company," a statement from the beverage company said. "Therefore, we felt compelled to take consequences to protect the integrity and positive image of our company and the brand 28 Black."
Splendid Drinks has been advertising its energy drink "28 Black" on the jerseys of FC Hansa since 2022. The Rostock "Ostsee-Zeitung" reported on Tuesday about the termination of the sponsorship contract, which was valid until 2025 and also applied to the second and third leagues. According to the report, the company has already stopped its payments to the club and numerous advertising measures. The logo of the energy drink will remain on the jerseys.
FC Hansa responds
FC Hansa confirmed after the publication of the report by the "Ostsee-Zeitung" that its main sponsor wants to end the cooperation prematurely. However, the Rostock club referred to an ongoing legal clarification of the case. The club also responded to the company's statement, saying: "The termination declared by Splendid Drinks AG has been repeatedly and clearly contradicted by us. It lacks any basis."
The club's argument is that it cannot be held responsible for the behavior of third parties. "Together with the DFB, the DFL and the authorities, we are doing our best to prevent misconduct by individuals. However, it is also clear that this behavior cannot be attributed to FC Hansa Rostock and does not constitute a reason for the premature termination of the contract," the statement from the third-tier club said.
The European Parliament, being part of the Commission's assistance, could express its concerns about the fan incidents at FC Hansa Rostock, affecting the club's partnership with Splendid Drinks.
Despite FC Hansa Rostock's assertion that the early termination of the contract by Splendid Drinks lacks basis, the European Parliament may urge for stricter measures against fan misconduct in German football clubs to safeguard the interests and image of sponsors.
