Adidas AG has decided to suspend its partnership with the Russian Football Union (RFU) after the Vladimir Putin-led government decided to invade Ukraine, Bloomberg reported. 

A company spokesperson conveyed the same via email and noted the decision comes into effect immediately. 

Notably, the German sports company has long been partners with the RFU. This cancellation is one of the many setbacks Russian sports has faced since the attack on Ukraine began.

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Initially, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic had refused to play against the Russian team in the FIFA world cup playoffs. England also stated it wouldn’t play against Russia in the near future. At the time, the federation hadn’t taken a hardline stance against Russia, instead, preventing the country’s flags from being waved during matches, or the national anthem from being played. It also noted that players couldn’t participate under Russia’s banner and matches would not take place in Russia. However, this stance was met with backlash, and ultimately FIFA decided to remove Russia from the World Cup 2022, which is to be held in Qatar. 

Meanwhile, UEFA too has decided to change the venue of the Champions League final, the biggest club competition match, from St Petersburg to Paris. 

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Putin’s continued assault on Ukraine has been met with pushbacks in various sectors. While countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and sent military and economic aid to Ukraine, Putin’s choices have also led to Russians facing ostracization in sporting and cultural events. Notably, the Munich Philharmonic fired Valery Gergiev as the chief conductor, for his close ties to Putin and refusal to denounce Russia’s moves against Ukraine. 

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to implore the world to send aid and run further interference as Russian troops inch closer to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital. He addressed the European Parliament today, making an impassioned speech about how Ukraine is fighting for survival and made a strong case for its application to join the European Union (EU) to be fast-tracked.