Germany’s Green Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck acknowledged that the deal was “unusual” but reflected the reality of a “different, more threatening world” in which companies like Rheinmetall have risen to prominence as arms suppliers to Ukraine, where Kiev is using Western munitions to repel Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion.
Despite dominating parts of the final on Saturday night and creating clear-cut chances, Dortmund ultimately succumbed in the latter stages to favorites Real Madrid, who won their record 15th title. Dani Carvajal scored the first goal with a header from a corner in the 74th minute, before Vinícius Júnior doubled the advantage moments later.
The Dortmund-Rheinmetall deal, worth millions of euros over three years, will see the arms maker display marketing messages throughout Dortmund’s stadium, but not yet the coveted spot on the front jersey for a company logo.
In a statement announcing the deal on Wednesday, Borussia Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke said the club was “opening up to dialogue” by partnering with an arms manufacturer, but defended the deal by arguing that in the current reality of war in Europe, “security and defense are the cornerstones of our democracy.”
Many Dortmund fans expressed dismay at the announcement, pointing out that the club’s code of ethics included a commitment to a violence-free society, as reported by German media outlet DW.
An article published on Dortmund fans blog Schwatzgelb.de criticized the club for a lack of transparency and questioned whether “strengthening national security is not the business of politics rather than of a football club.
News Source : www.politico.eu
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