Controversy around BVB: sponsorship with armaments group and betting provider in focus

Controversy around BVB: sponsorship with armaments group and betting provider in focus

A storm of indignation moves over Borussia Dortmund! The Bundesliga Club is at the center of heated debates after the armaments group Rheinmetall has been announced as the new main sponsor. The deal, which is due to bring BVB around 20 million euros over three years, ensures massive protests among fans. They broke out in the south grandstand at the first home game of the season against Eintracht Frankfurt and raise the question: Is sponsoring with an arms supplier really compatible with the values of the association?

The discussions culminated their peak in the upcoming general meetings. The members meet on Dead Sunday, followed by the shareholders on Monday. An application from BVB member Wilfried Harthan aims to end the sponsorship contract with Rheinmetall "as quickly as possible". Harthan criticizes that Rheinmetall "does not deserve peace, but at war" and describes the deal as "sports watering", which is incompatible with the basic value code of the association.

Extremists should be installed in club bodies

But that's not all! Another application from the initiative "Ballspiel.Vereineten!" aims to deny extremist parties access to the club bodies. Although the AfD is not mentioned by name, it is clear that the application is directed against its members. The spokesman for the initiative calls for a "own little fire wall" against enemies of democracy.

Partnership with Betting Cong Congs provides discussions

And the chaos continues! The controversial partnership with the Asian betting provider Xing Kong will also be discussed. In the ARD documentary "Spielverderber", the collaboration is illuminated, but it remains unclear whether Xing Kong has the necessary licenses for operation in China, where sports betting are heavily regulated. The BVB emphasizes that it is aware of its responsibility, but the questions about licensing remain unanswered.

The excitement about sponsorship and partnerships shows how deep the trenches are within the club. The upcoming meetings promise heated debates and could be decisive for the future of BVB!