War in Ukraine/Germany: DFL to donate €1m from its Russian TV rights contract to aid Ukraine

The DFL executive committee has decided to donate €1m in humanitarian aid to recognised organisations working to support the Ukrainian population following the invasion of the country by the Russian army on 24/02/2022, announced the German body on 03/03/2022.

"The donation includes all revenues further expected this season from the contract with the Russian media company Match TV - from which the DFL does not want to profit in the current situation. At the same time, the contract will not immediately be terminated, so that the anti-war protests and appeals for peace from German stadiums can continue to reach the Russian population," explained the DFL.

The pay-TV group Match TV is owned by the Russian company Gazprom Media, itself owned by parent company Gazprom (energy supplier), in which the Russian state is a majority shareholder.

"The condition for this is that Match TV broadcasts the unmodified basic signal provided by the DFL - including Ukraine-related messages from the league, players, clubs and fans - next matchday and beyond," added the German professional league.

"The DFL…