DORTMUND, Germany — The upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) for Borussia Dortmund is anticipated to focus heavily on the club’s controversial sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall, an arms manufacturer whose business thrives amidst conflicts around the globe, including the war in Ukraine.
The fanzine Schwatzgelb Dortmund has brought attention to a motion proposed by supporter Wilfried Harthan, representing the Heinrich Czerkus group, urging the club to end its relationship with Rheinmetall at the earliest opportunity. The motion insists that the partnership should not be prolonged beyond its current agreement, which concludes in 2026, under any circumstances.
Rheinmetall currently holds the position as the largest producer of artillery shells worldwide and anticipates reaching record sales of approximately 10 billion euros ($10.6 billion) this year, a result fueled by ongoing conflicts in various regions.
According to Schwatzgelb’s statement, the announcement of the three-year partnership with Rheinmetall, made just days before Dortmund faced Defeat against Real Madrid in a Champions League final last May, took many fans by surprise. The deal has significantly impacted how the club is perceived, leading many fans to question their sense of identity and affiliation with Borussia Dortmund.
In August, during the team’s initial Bundesliga match of the season, numerous supporters expressed their discontent toward the sponsorship through protests both in and around the stadium.
Earlier this year, Rheinmetall revealed plans to construct a new facility at its existing location in Unterluess, northern Germany, aiming for an impressive yearly production capacity of 200,000 artillery shells along with 1,900 tons of explosives, and potentially components for rocket engines and warheads.
Schwatzgelb articulated a clear message: “Those who manufacture weapons of war do not profit from peace, but from war.” This stance resonates deeply with a segment of the fanbase that is increasingly uneasy about the association with a company that has historical ties to armaments production, notably during both World Wars and its history of using forced labor in World War II.
In light of these developments, the discussions at the AGM could signal a pivotal moment for the club as it navigates the challenges of balancing commercial interests with the values and sentiments of its fan base.