Man Utd sponsor Aeroflot banned from UK as pressure grows on club to ditch them

Following the devastating news that Russia have indeed declared war on Ukraine, clubs around the world have been dropping Russian sponsorships amid the ongoing crisis.

Schalke have dropped Gazprom as their main shirt sponsor, and Manchester United have been urged to cut ties with Russian airline Aeroflot.

United have been partnered with the airline since 2013, and a recent extension in 2017 was agreed in a deal worth £40million, but the club are now keen to distance themselves with the company.

And pressure has mounted on United for a decision to be make, as the airline have now been banned from the UK by PM Boris Johnson.

As part of the Prime Minister's sanctions against Russia, Johnson has banned Aeroflot from operating in Britain, leaving United with a decision to make as they provide planes to the club.

Their current agreement with Aeroflot is set to expire in the summer of 2023, with United’s new CEO Richard Arnold admitting that he has no intention of renewing a deal.

But following the UK ban, United have been urged to ditch the airline prematurely, and the club have already switched to alternative methods when travelling to Spain this week.

United used airline Titan to fly to Madrid for their Champions League knockout tie against Atletico Madrid, and the competition have an issue to address themselves.

The Champions League final was set to take place at Zenit St Petersburg's Gazprom Arena, but due to the ongoing crisis UEFA have called an "extraordinary meeting" of the Executive Committee for Friday to confirm the decision to move the match.

UEFA released a statement, which read: "We are dealing with this situation with the utmost seriousness and urgency. Decisions will be taken by the UEFA Executive Committee and announced tomorrow (Friday)."

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