Borussia Dortmund's management is reported to be unlikely to renew their partnership with Rheinmetall, whose contract expires in 2027, according to Bild. One of the main reasons for the potential split is the relationship between the club and its fans. Carsten Cramer, who recently became CEO, has been calling for fan support of the club over recent months.

Since the partnership agreement was reached in 2024, Borussia Dortmund fans have expressed strong dissatisfaction. During the opening Bundesliga match at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, banners and signs were hung on the Yellow Wall, with one reading: "Coal first, values later." A cardboard tank was also placed outside Signal Iduna Park. Protesters claimed that the group, which also produces weapons, profits from war rather than peace.

Furthermore, significant results emerged from a general meeting two years ago. Of 855 members who voted, 65% opposed the sponsor. Watzke subsequently called this a "clear signal," while also stating that he wanted to hear from more than 200,000 members: "From an overall assessment, I must also consider that this is only 0.25% of our members. I am a democrat, and I accept yesterday's result. This is a clear signal." However, this result is not binding on the club.

From a financial perspective, ending the partnership would be a significant blow to Borussia Dortmund. Rheinmetall can pay Borussia Dortmund up to 10 million euros per year. Despite the concerns raised by Borussia Dortmund, Rheinmetall itself does not intend to end the collaboration.

Rheinmetall stated in an interview with Bild: "We are satisfied with this partnership and consider it successful. It helps us increase our visibility as a technology group and attractive employer. Among our employees, the partnership has generated great enthusiasm, and employee-focused activities have also been very popular."

Rheinmetall also stated that an official fan club is reported to have been established between the two parties, and football camps have been held for Ukrainian children. The group said: "Dialogue on security and a democratic society capable of defending itself has also begun. We view this type of exchange as a long-term task and will continue to actively support it in the future."

Rheinmetall announced that they will jointly decide with Borussia Dortmund "whether to extend the partnership beyond 2027 and the level of potential investment in the future." No date for discussions has been set by either party. Rheinmetall stated: "For us, the most important thing right now is to continue promoting the smooth development of our existing partnership."

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