Schalke 04: Gazprom extends partnership but decreases its contribution (€10m) until 2024-25

Gazprom, a Russian energy supplier, has extended its role as main shirt sponsor of FC Schalke 04 (Bundesliga) for "at least" three more seasons from 2022-23 to 2024-25, announced the club on 30/03/2021.

Despite the financial and sporting difficulties faced by the German club (last in the Bundesliga as of 31/03/2021), "Gazprom stays true to Schalke irrespective of league." The Russian company has been the club's main shirt sponsor since the 2007-08 season.

"Originally, Gazprom reserved the right to cancel contract in the event of failing to achieve our sporting goals and the likely resulting relegation to the 2.Bundesliga. However, after many years of a close, fruitful partnership, the energy company has decided to stick by the Gelsenkirchen (GER) club in a show of solidarity and support in these difficult times," explained Schalke, whose original partnership with Gazprom was due to terminate at the end of 2021-22.

This extension is accompanied by a renegotiation of Gazprom's sponsorship contribution. Over the 2017-2022 cycle, the Russian group was paying Schalke €20-25m annually. In…