Arsenal’s sponsorship deal with Rwanda Tourism Association has come under scrutiny for the amount of money involved.
Arsenal signed a deal with Rwanda’s tourist association name Visit Rwanda. The Gunners took to their social media handles and websites to announce that the deal has been struck. They donned the Visit Rwanda emblem on their kit’s sleeve for the first time in the match on Sunday against Manchester City.
The deal has been signed for a period of three years. It has mixed response, but has gotten more criticisms than support. The sponsorship is in a bid to promote tourism to the East African country. It is expected to be worth 30 million pounds over three years. The fee of the sponsorship has raised eyebrows, more so, since it is a country where over 51% population lives under a poverty line. This is as per the World Bank’s projections and the critics and economists have slammed this deal.
While no cost has been confirmed by either party, Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Development board also remained tight lipped about the actual fee. “The media has been speculating around £30 million but what I can tell you it’s not £30 million, it’s less than that,” CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi, told CNN
As per reports, the investment comes from Paul Kagame, who is the nation’s president. He considers himself an avid Arsenal fan and believes that the team is loved by several fellow patriots. Arsenal’s first team, under 23s and Arsenal women’s are all expected to bear the small mark of Visit Rwanda on their jerseys for the next three years.
Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams are also said to be preparing a visit to the African country in order to spread awareness through football and establish football camps. As per Deloitte, Arsenal is valued as the sixth largest football club in the club. Manchester United has claimed the top spot while Real Madrid follows closely in second.
