London — Manchester United have withdrawn Russian airline Aeroflot's sponsorship rights after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Premier League club said on Friday.
Russia's Aeroflot was banned from flying to the United Kingdom on Thursday after President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine. UK Civil Aviation Authority said it had suspended Aeroflot's foreign carrier permit.
"In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected," a club spokesperson said.
United made Aeroflot its first Russian sponsor in 2013 when it became the club's airline partner, replacing Turkish Airlines.
Russia has been condemned for its invasion of Ukraine by several sports bodies and on Friday the country lost its hosting rights for the Champions League final in May while Formula One said the Grand Prix in Sochi could not go ahead.
Paris to host Champions League final after match moved from St Petersburg
WATCH: Fifa president Infantino fails to condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine
FIFA suspends Zimbabwe and Kenya, condemns Russia’s act of violence against Ukraine
’I'm all for peace’, says Russian world No.1 Daniil Medvedev
Haas F1 team to drop Russian sponsor colours in testing in Protest of Ukraine invasion
Russia's 'tragic' invasion of Ukraine condemned by sporting world
Related Video:
Reuters
