Official: Adidas Suspend Russia Kit Deal
Update: Adidas have suspended their partnership with the Russian Football Union (RFS) with immediate effect, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. The spokesperson did not give additional details.
Russia will not play any official matches in the near future. It remains to be seen if and how the Russian Football Union (RFS) react, and which kits they will wear in a possible next match.
February 28, 2022: Adidas to End Russia Kit Deal?
On Monday, FIFA and UEFA announced that Russian clubs and national teams are suspended in all their football competitions until further notice. Will Russia's kit maker Adidas react soon and terminate their deal?
Adidas Have Not Yet Commented On The Russia Kit Deal
Adidas have been making the kits of the Russian national teams since 2009. In 2018, The Russian Football Union (RFU)and Adidas extended their cooperation until 2022.
Adidas' have a strong market position in the former eastern bloc
Adidas so far did not comment on their partnership with the RFU. We strongly expect that the pressure for Adidas to react will increase in the coming days, especially with the decision of FIFA/UEFA to ban Russia until further notice.
Adidas just told local newspaper nordbayern that "The protection and safety of our employees is, of course, our top priority".
Less Than 3%: Adidas have earned around 550 million USD in Russia in 2021
Sales for the Russia/CIS market have no longer been reported separately since 2021; at the end of 2020, the share of total earnings was around 2.9 percent.
Adidas have a long history in the former eastern bloc. They had been already making the kits of the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
Reebok, Nike and Adidas have been Russia's kit makers in their history.
Do you think Adidas will remain Russia's kit maker? Comment below.
