Nike withdraws sponsorship for Russian football team

Nike has confirmed it has withdrawn sponsorship for the Russian Premier League club Spartak Moscow, following the announcement that the club will not be allowed to take part in European competitions next season.

The sportswear giant has been a sponsor of the football club since 2005. The ban means that Russia will not be allowed to take part in the Champions League, Europa League and Women’s Champions League.

In a statement, Nike said: “Given UEFA’s decision to suspend all Russian clubs from UEFA competition, Nike has informed FC Spartak Moscow that we will no longer be their kit sponsor.”

Nike’s move falls in line with the brand’s prior decision to temporarily close its Russian-based stores, which it announced in March 2022 stating at the time that it was “deeply troubled by the devastating crisis in Ukraine”.