Bayern Munich’s recent decision to scale back their “Visit Rwanda” sponsorship has sent shockwaves through European football, casting a fresh spotlight on Arsenal’s own controversial partnership with the Rwandan tourism board. As the Gunners prepare to kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season, questions swirl around the club’s continued display of the Visit Rwanda logo on their sleeves, despite the apparent expiration of their original deal. The issue has ignited fierce debate among fans, drawn diplomatic scrutiny, and set the stage for a season where off-field politics could prove just as dramatic as the action on the pitch.
On August 10, 2025, Bayern Munich announced they would reduce the visibility of Visit Rwanda branding, even though their contract runs until 2028. The move follows mounting criticism over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel movement in neighboring Congo—a charge that has placed European football’s commercial relationships under an ethical microscope. The German club’s decision drew immediate comparisons to Arsenal and PSG, who have also maintained high-profile sponsorships with Rwanda in recent years.
Arsenal’s own partnership with Visit Rwanda, launched in 2018 and valued at up to £10 million per year, was reportedly set to end after the 2024/25 season. Yet, as the new campaign approaches, the Gunners are still sporting the Visit Rwanda logo, fueling speculation that a quiet renewal or extension has been agreed behind closed doors. This apparent continuation has not gone unnoticed by supporters or international observers. In February 2025, the Congolese government publicly called on European clubs to reconsider their ties with Rwanda, citing concerns about regional destabilization and the alleged support for rebel activity.
The pressure on Arsenal’s board has intensified in the wake of Bayern’s announcement. Supporter groups and activist organizations have ramped up their opposition, distributing armbands to cover the Visit Rwanda sleeve patch and staging protests outside the Emirates Stadium. Social media platforms, particularly Reddit’s r/Gunners community, have become battlegrounds for heated debate. One faction of fans insists that “the sponsorship is a stain on the club’s values,” while others argue the financial windfall is essential for squad investment and infrastructure upgrades. The divide is palpable, with ethical concerns clashing head-on with the realities of modern football economics.
“It’s a tough balance,” admitted one longtime Arsenal supporter outside the Emirates. “We all want the club to compete at the highest level, but at what cost? If Bayern can step back, why can’t we?”
Yet, not everyone is convinced that cutting the partnership is the right move. “That £10 million a year pays for new players, for the academy, for everything that keeps us competitive,” another fan countered. “If we walk away, someone else will take the money. Is that really better?”
Arsenal’s leadership has thus far remained tight-lipped, declining to issue a definitive statement on the future of the Visit Rwanda deal. The lack of clarity has only fueled speculation, with many expecting the club to address the issue before the Premier League opener next week. The timing couldn’t be more sensitive, as Bayern’s actions have set a new precedent for ethical sponsorship in European football.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have plenty happening on the footballing front. Transfer speculation is swirling, with reports that Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce have made an official enquiry for left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. Arsenal are said to value the Ukrainian international at around €15 million, a significant markdown from his original transfer fee. Zinchenko’s versatility—able to play as a left-back, wing-back, winger, or even central midfielder—has reportedly caught Mourinho’s eye as he looks to bolster Fenerbahce’s Champions League ambitions. Arsenal, for their part, appear open to negotiations, especially as competition for places intensifies under manager Mikel Arteta.
On the pitch, Arsenal delivered a statement performance in their recent Emirates Cup clash, demolishing Athletic Bilbao 3-0. The victory was a much-needed boost after a disappointing defeat to Villarreal earlier in the week. New signing Viktor Gyokeres finally opened his account for the club with a well-taken header, while Bukayo Saka turned in a vintage display, combining a goal with an assist and terrorizing the Athletic defense down the right flank.
The standout performer, however, was Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder, acquired from Real Sociedad for £51 million, orchestrated play with a 94% pass completion rate, two assists, and four tackles without conceding a single foul. His performance drew rave reviews, with one analyst noting, “Zubimendi justified every penny of his price tag with a masterclass in midfield control.”
Kai Havertz also made headlines, coming off the bench to score a stunning solo goal. The German international covered the length of the pitch in just seven seconds, leaving multiple defenders in his wake before slotting home with clinical precision. His impact as a substitute highlighted the squad depth Arteta now enjoys, and the tactical flexibility that could prove decisive over a long campaign.
“Havertz’s goal was pure individual brilliance,” wrote a fan on Reddit. “That’s exactly why Arteta keeps faith in him—he can change a game in an instant.”
Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori offered glimpses of his attacking potential from left-back, while goalkeeper David Raya delivered a composed display to banish memories of his recent struggles. The comprehensive win over Bilbao suggested that Arsenal’s new signings are bedding in well, with tactical cohesion and squad chemistry on the rise ahead of next week’s Premier League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.
Still, the off-field controversies refuse to fade into the background. With Bayern Munich’s decision now public and the Congolese government maintaining diplomatic pressure, Arsenal’s board faces a pivotal moment. Will they follow Bayern’s lead and distance themselves from the Visit Rwanda partnership, or double down on the financial benefits in pursuit of on-field glory? The coming days could prove decisive—not just for Arsenal’s image, but for the broader debate over ethics and sponsorship in world football.
As the new season dawns, Arsenal fans can look forward to a squad brimming with talent and ambition. But the lingering questions over the club’s sponsorship choices ensure that the story of 2025/26 will be written both on and off the pitch. The Gunners’ next move, both in the boardroom and on the field, is sure to be watched closely by supporters and critics alike.
