Bayern Munich Faces Growing Backlash Over Rwanda Sponsorship

Bayern Munich is facing mounting pressure over its controversial partnership with Rwanda, amid escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Rwanda is accused of supporting the rebel group M23. While Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has remained silent since February, the sponsorship deal has sparked protests from fans, who view the partnership as hypocritical. Despite the mounting backlash, Rwanda’s sports visibility continues to rise. Next week, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal – two other clubs it sponsors – will face off in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal matchup, with millions of people watching. Critics, including fans, have urged these clubs to end their respective deals with Rwanda, arguing that they are an attempt at sportswashing. And while PSG recently renewed its sponsorship deal with Rwanda, there are rumors that Arsenal will not when their current partnership elapses at the end of this season.

DW