One of Manchester United's major sponsors has been banned from the UK under new economic sanctions imposed on Russia.
The Russian state-owned airline Aeroflot has sponsored United since 2013 and provides planes for the club.
But in a speech in the House of Commons this evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the airline would be banned from landing in the UK under new sanctions introduced in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
United extended their agreement with Aeroflot in 2017 in a deal worth around £40m.
However, the club is reportedly keen to distance itself from the firm - following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The current agreement is set to run out in the summer of 2023 - and the Mirror reports that 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 has been described as the “official carrier” of Manchester United on the club’s website, and it 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.
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.
There will now be a ban on all Aeroflot flights within the UK both entering and exiting the nation.
