Qatar 2022/Germany: Rewe suspends its partnership with the DFB in protest against FIFA

Rewe has suspended its partnership with the German Football Association (DFB) and is giving up its advertising rights during the 2022 World Cup "following Gianni Infantino's statements and FIFA's decision on the 'One Love' banner," announced the Cologne (GER) based supermarket group on 22/11/2022. An official partner (2^nd level) of the DFB since 2008, the company had already indicated that it would not be extending its contract with the body beyond 2022.

"For us, football is about fair play, tolerance and togetherness - we hold these values dear too. (...) FIFA's scandalous attitude is absolutely unacceptable to me as CEO of a diversified company and as a football fan," said Lionel Souque, CEO of Rewe. The German group will distribute its 2022 World Cup trading card album free of charge, and will donate the revenues generated from its marketing before the contract is terminated "to a recipient to be announced at a later date."

This follows FIFA's decision to impose sporting sanctions on teams whose captains wear "One Love" armbands on the pitch in support of the LGBT+ community…