German side Schalke officially cut ties with Gazprom in stand against Russia after invasion of Ukraine

German club Schalke have cut ties with sponsors Gazprom, the Russian energy giant, following the invasion of Ukraine. Last week, it was announced that the Bundesliga 2 side would no longer wear the company’s logo – but the partnership has now been cut completely. Ad/> At the weekend, lettering on the front of their shirts were covered up and replaced with 'Schalke 04'.

Supporters who were wearing the kit also taped over the logo. BundesligaSchalke pull Gazprom logo from shirts following Russia's invasion of Ukraine24/02/2022 AT 14:20 Gazprom is one of the world’s largest natural gas firms and it has close ties to the Russian government, given it is partly state-owned. The US has imposed sanctions on the company, but the UK has not yet followed suit.

There is pressure on UEFA to end its own sponsorship agreement with Gazprom, which is one of the principal partners for the Champions League. Reports at the weekend suggested European football’s governing body is currently working through the legal details, but that it will sever ties. Schalke insist the move will not “affect the club’s financial capabilities” and that they hope to announce a new partner soon.