Adidas suspends partnership with Russian Football Union

By Ovunc Kutlu and Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Adidas said Tuesday it is suspending its partnership with the Russian Football Union because of the Russia-Ukraine war.

"We can confirm that adidas is suspending its partnership with the Russian Football Union (RFU) with immediate effect," Stefan Pursche with Adidas’ media relations told Anadolu Agency via email.

The German apparel company has been the Russian national football team's kit supplier for more than a decade as their partnership began in September 2008, months after the UEFA EURO 2008 football championship where Russia reached the semifinals.

During their partnership, Russian footballers played in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Having qualified as hosts, Russia were eliminated in the quarterfinals during the 2018 World Cup.

Since last Thursday -- days after Russia’s recognition of two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine – Moscow’s war on Ukraine has been met by an outcry from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions against Russia.

At least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed, and 400 others, including 26 children, were injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.

Nearly 680,000 people have since fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency.