After "One Love" scandal: Rewe jumps off as DFB sponsor

Created: 2022-11-22Updated: 2022-11-22 11:35 am

DFB captain Manuel Neuer will not wear the "One Love" captain's armband at the World Cup.

© Christian Charisius/dpa

The debate about the waiver of the "One Love" armband of the DFB-Elf at the World Cup in Qatar is gaining momentum.

A first sponsor drops out.

Cologne - The Cologne retail giant Rewe is ending its cooperation with the German Football Association with immediate effect because of FIFA's decision on the "One Love" armband.

The company wants to clearly distance itself from the attitude of the world governing body FIFA and the statements made by President Gianni Infantino and will therefore waive its advertising rights from the existing contract with the DFB, especially in the context of the World Cup, said CEO Lionel Souque.

"We stand for diversity - and football is diversity, too," said Souque.

"For me as the CEO of a diverse company and as a football fan, FIFA's scandalous attitude is absolutely unacceptable." captain's armband.

The DFB and the other European associations involved decided to do this because of the threat of FIFA sanctions.

Contract placed on hold

Rewe had already informed the DFB in October that it would not continue the long-term partnership agreement - at that time there was still no connection to the World Cup.

According to the current decisions of FIFA, the group is putting the contract with the DFB on hold with immediate effect and waiving advertising rights, it said in Cologne.

The company has already informed the DFB of this.

The collector's album currently available from REWE will be given away free of charge with immediate effect, with the company bearing the costs, the retail giant announced.

Rewe will donate all of the previous earnings from the album once the promotion ends.

Despite the move, Rewe expressly wishes the German national team and all players every success for the World Cup.

“We stand by your side and root for you!” said Souque.

dpa