Rangers Europa League opponents Red Star Belgrade have been caught up in a recent controversial move, as they have stated that the club will keep their Russian sponsor Gazprom on their shirts despite the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
This news comes after both UEFA and Schalke have dropped the gas and oil giants’ name as sponsors which could have massive ramifications financially, but it shows money isn’t everything in the current climate.
UEFA has claimed they have no intention of demanding clubs to change their sponsors following Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine.
Red Star Belgrade make controversial sponsor call before Europa League clash with Rangers
Gazprom also sponsors the Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, although it is not certain whether they will cancel their sponsorship.
Red Stars general team manager Zvezdan Terzic has waded into the controversy and claimed the club “owed” its existence to Gazprom.
“We have not received a request to remove the Gazprom logo and I sincerely hope that will not happen,” said Terzic [TheTimes].
“Gazprom has been with Red Star since 2010 and was with us when we were threatened with the worst financial problems.
“If it weren’t for Gazprom, the question is whether there would be a Red Star. People who love Red Star will never forget what Gazprom did for the club.”
These are interesting comments that will be sure to provoke lots of debate in the run-up to the Europa League clash.
The competition has removed Gazprom as a sponsor and the company has been sanctioned by the UK government.
It will be interesting to see what Red Star has on their shirts when they arrive in Glasgow on Thursday evening for the mouth-watering tie.
Meanwhile, Rangers could be set to benefit from future Champions League format changes.
