The separation of the FC Schalke 04 from the long-standing Russian main sponsor Gazprom was after the invasion of Russia in Ukraine in the view of Board Bernd Schröder “Alternative”.
“Personally, it was clear: That can not go on. The damage to the club had become too big,” said the head of the football second division in an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
“Could I imagine a situation that, in six or eight weeks, Gazprom would stand again on the chest? No,” said Schröder added. “What should have happened to legitimize that again? If Mr. Putin suddenly mutated to the peace gel? That was and is truly no real view.”
FC Schalke 04: Gazprom-Deal “Not dirty”
At the same time, he defended the controversial cooperation with the state energy group against criticism. “I did not see the Alliance as dirty,” said Schröder, who has been head of the board since the beginning of the year. “Did not it consistent with the Schalke’s values? Probably not. You have to say that so clearly. But the Gazprom contract was a horse that stood across the barn?” Probably not. “
Gazprom was 15 years sponsor of the Schalke. After the Gelsenkirchers in the game at Karlsruher SC on Saturday had already removed the company’s lettering of the jersey, the club had announced on Monday that the Management Board with the consent of the Supervisory Board had decided to prematurely the partnership because of Russian invasion into Ukraine break up.
In the apartment company Vivawest, the club has for the time being found a new sponsor.