Borussia Dortmund CEO Carsten Cramer has come out in defense of his organization’s newly unveiled sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall, a defense contractor based in Germany, after it caused a stir among members of the public due to its seeming association with military-industrial sponsorships within professional soccer. According to reports, the deal was unveiled this week and sees Rheinmetall as an Important business partner for Borussia Dortmund.
As soon as news broke, fan clubs, peace groups, and politicians expressed concern at seeing one of German’s most successful clubs side with a firm with as much involvement with weapons as ThyssenKrupp. Europe’s recent focus on matters of security within German politics, and global conflicts that fill today’s headlines, have made military sponsorships highly contentious.
Cramer, on the other hand, still argued that the partnership is not only necessary but also appropriate for a club that wishes to have financial stability and be competitive in an ever-changing sports market. Cramer spoke at a press conference at Signal Iduna Park, saying that Dortmund must operate within “the real world,” meaning that changes have also occurred within national politics due to global security challenges.
“We are living times where freedom and democracy are under serious challenge,” he said. “Rheinmetall plays an active role in helping to maintain these values. Cooperation with an influential German partner who also plays this role does not appear to us either unethical or alien to our Club’s values.” Cramer outlined some reasons why he embraces Rheinmetall’s role.
It had been pointed out that some fans might be made uncomfortable, but he explained that these days, football clubs cannot just get money from traditional sources. As costs associated with player salaries, transfers, and running expenses escalate, premier division clubs are finding it imperative to get money from expansive commercial agreements. “We have to be able to maintain a competitive team and develop our youth academy, facilities, and global development,” explained Cramer. “Without good partners, we would not be able to match the best clubs in Europe.”
The CEO also dismissed assertions that it is all about money. “We have certain components within that deal that will have a benefit for societal programs, like tech education projects and things that prepare kids for job opportunities within engineering fields. These will be collaborative efforts with Rheinmetall. We want to assist youth within the area around Dortmund,” Cramer stated. “We are not just slapping a badge on a uniform. We have invested in the community.”
Despite the defense, there is still heavy criticism. Various fan groups have issued statements stating that it is an ethical boundary that the club should not have crossed by taking money that goes toward weapons production. Fans were disappointed that a club with working-class origins and messages about being socially conscious would stand for an industry that spawns global conflict.
Political responses were no less split. While some politicians insisted that cooperation with a defense contractor represents acceptance of militarism in everyday life, others welcomed the deal because it represents changes within the German security policy. As they pointed out, Rheinmetall plays an essential role within the defense strategy of Europe and extends production capabilities to fulfill national and NATO requirements.
Cramer responded to these worries with the following points: “Everyone who we have collaborated with in the past and whom we will collaborate with in the future will be from a sector with complexities. But it’s not about that. It depends on if they act within the law and within morality and within democracy. And Rheinmetall does.” But as the new season draws nearer, it still seems uncertain how exactly the fan base will end up reacting. Although there have been some protests already scheduled, some people believe that this whole issue will just blow over once they start competing again. It has been pointed out that fan reaction usually ends up being very immediate with regards to sponsorships that are somewhat controversial.
As for Dortmund, the coming months will be a challenge not only for its relationship with its core fan base but also for its capacity to deal with ethical dilemmas surrounding an increasingly politicized sporting world. Cramer still believes that transparency and regular communications will be necessary for mending fences. “We have respect for every opinion,” he said, “but we still hold on to our position. It is our task and duty to make Borussia Dortmund a strong and successful institution—for today, for society, and for the future.”
