U.S. sports apparel giant Nike has ended its 17-year cooperation with Russian Premier League Football club Spartak Moscow after the team was ruled out of next season's European competitions because of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
"Nike has notified FC Spartak of the termination of the sponsorship contract due to the fact that, in accordance with the UEFA verdict, our club will not be able to participate in European competitions next season," the club said an a statement on May 12.
"The leadership of Spartak's commercial department is now working on finding a new equipment supplier," it added.
Nike has yet to comment publicly on the issue.
On May 2, European soccer's governing body, UEFA, announced a ban on Russian men's clubs next season in response to the war launched by Moscow on Ukraine in February.
Under the ban, Russian soccer teams will be barred from the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League competitions.
