Manchester United are poised to end their sponsorship agreement with Russian airline Aeroflot as a result of the growing crisis in Ukraine.
The English giants are keen to distance themselves from the firm - following the Russian invasion of its neighbouring country.
Aeroflot have been one of United’s major sponsors since 2013.
United extended the agreement in 2017 in a deal worth around £40m.
The current agreement is set to run out in the summer of 2023 - and United’s new CEO Richard Arnold has no intention of renewing it.
Ralf Rangnick and his squad flew to Spain this week on alternative airline Titan for their Champions League game with Atletico Madrid.
It means United are now looking to agree a deal with a different airline for them to be the club’s official carriers - with Qatar Airways one option being considered.
Aeroflot is the national airline of Russia and flies to 146 destinations across 52 countries.
But United realise how much damage could be done to the club’s image and commercial appeal if it continues to be associated with Aeroflot.
And If the United States government decide to issue sanctions against Russian companies, including banning Aeroflot from entering the country, it would leave United’s American owners the Glazers facing serious consequences unless the agreement with the airline is ended.
Aeroflot flew United’s stars and officials around the world as well as provided strategic advice on travel.
United’s nine year association with them was worth almost £100m in total.
Earlier this week it was revealed how UEFA could be forced to switch the venue of this season’s Champions League Final from St Petersburg to an alternative city, due to the increasing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
