Visit Rwanda sponsorship deal

JazzG

Good thing they've not clocked on that Bin Laden was an Arsenal fan, otherwise they might try to pin 9/11 on us while they are at it.

Don Pacifico

Haven't read the article but unless we're paying Rwanda for the sponsorship deal (which obviously we're not), I fail to see how we're directly responsible for anything.

Not disputing the ethics of the sponsorship itself but just trying to cut through the click bait.

RocktheCasbah

This is a new low in our relationship with the media, isn't it? Blimey.

awooga83

I mean totally independent of this story which is not credible on the quotes, I have always felt this link was poor and the recent conflicts just makes it even more clear in my mind it's a mistake. But I guess it's the reality that we are a business driven by economic considerations more then ethical. Reputationaly I do think it's very bad for arsenal's image but presumably the club aren't as bothered about that.

That is the reality but I know as fans is nice to think of the romanticised idea that we are somehow the good guys in football but the reality doesn't really support that.

JazzG

awooga83 That is the reality but I know as fans is nice to think of the romanticised idea that we are somehow the good guys in football but the reality doesn't really support that.

I doubt any Arsenal fan thinks that, football clubs sold themselves out to the highest bidder a long time ago. I don't think fans are in any position to complain either, demanding the best players and signings but also wanting to be picky and choosy about our own sponsorship deals.

I don't know much about what is going on in Congo and how Rwanda are involved but if Rwanda are taking part in some unsavoury business then the club will need to take a look at the sponsorship deal. But to blame us for what is going on is ridiculous.

Pepe LeFrits

Probably shouldn't complain about City or Newcastle if you want to complain about Arsenal being criticised for taking money from Rwanda. Seems like fair comment to me

lorddulaarsenal

Didn’t wanna visit Rwanda anyways

Claudius

Won't read the article because I don't trust a single thing British media write about emerging markets.
But I am very uncomfortable about the Visit Rwanda deal simply because of the Rwandan leader who exhibits autocratic tendencies and who is sponsoring conflict in the Congo.
He has done well to brand himself as a friend of the west - hosting conferences, being friendly to investment and aid - but he is still someone who has held onto power for 25 years and has been responsible for corruption and disappearances

Burnwinter

De-paywalled article for anyone looking:

https://archive.md/yf64a

The sponsorship deal is very dirty, but then we knew that. I wish Arsenal would drop it.

Meanwhile, here's the Telegraph reporting on the former government's failed Rwanda migration deportation policy in the middle of last year:

https://archive.md/yX9BY

Funnily enough, the Tories managed to get away without any "blood on their hands" ...

Coombs

Burnwinter The sponsorship deal is very dirty, but then we knew that. I wish Arsenal would drop it.

Long and short of it right here.

We are clearly being targeted, as well. Both can be true.

awooga83

Coombs I agree this story is a load of rubbish although it's framed through the DRC representatives words and they will understandably try anything to hurt Rwanda at the moment. I don't think anyone believes we have caused the war, but this deal was not a good thing to be involved with.

Claudius

awooga83 I think football is insane to allow countries to own and sponsor clubs. Makes no sense beyond money for officials

Claudius

awooga83 I think football is insane to allow countries to own and sponsor clubs. Makes no sense beyond money for officials

banduan

I believe the Visit Rwanda campaign was actually quite successful for Rwanda. Given that there is no official sanction on the country, I'm sort of ambivalent on this. It's not some oil rich country, it's one mired in poverty trying to make a tourism play. The latest Congo episode will force the club's hand anyway.

lorddulaarsenal

Yeah might need to bin off the deal as our Congolian fans have got enough Arsenal angst already, what with our lack of an attacking addition this January