Adidas suspends kit supply deal with Russian FA

German sportswear brand Adidas has suspended its US$14.4 million kit supply deal with the Russian Football Union (RFU), signed in 2018 and expiring at the end of 2022 long-term partnership.

Adidas has been the kit supplier of all Russian men’s and women’s national teams since 2009.

In 2020, Adidas generated sales of US$651 million in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, equivalent to 2.9 percent of its total revenue.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, even more, western companies have pulled out of the country.

Both German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen and beverage giant Coca-Cola have sponsorship arrangements with the RFU.

Volkswagen, which has a deal with Russian soccer’s national governing body running until the end of 2023, has already paused the delivery of cars to Russia.

Nike, Adidas' rival in the sporting apparel business, has also confirmed the suspension of its Russian business operations, leaving products inaccessible to buy on its website and app.

The two brands' withdrawal followed after Fifa and Uefa decided to suspend all Russian club teams from international competition.