Schalke change strip and remove sponsor in support of Ukraine after Russia launch full-scale invasion
SCHALKE have confirmed they will be removing the Gazprom sponsorship from their shirt following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has instigated war on Ukrainian soil, despite widespread condemnation across Europe.
And Bundesliga side Schalke have acted swiftly in their response to the political situation.
Russian gas company Gazprom will not longer be on their kit as they have opted to change strips due to the conflict.
Speaking on Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano said: “Official. Schalke 04 statement confirms they will immediately remove the logo of Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom from its jerseys.
“Main sponsor will be removed with immediate effect.”
Gazprom currently the sponsor the Champions League but there is pressure on Uefa to end their deal with the Russian organisation.
And football’s European governing body looks set to move the Champions League final away from St Petersburg.
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An emergency meeting has been called for Friday morning as Uefa prepare to change the location of the final.
Members of the European Parliament have already written to Uefa boss Aleksander Ceferin, telling him: “Uefa must act now.”
Uefa said the decision was “following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours” and that the meeting would “evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions”.
And it comes as Fifa are under huge pressure to boot Russia out of the World Cup play-offs next month.
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