The current situation between Ukraine and Russia has been escalating rapidly in the past few days. Russian president Vladimir Putin recently declared two Ukrainian regions as independant and threatens to start a major war in Europe by stationing more than 100,000 troops near the border.
Bild Covers Up Gazprom
Major German newspaper and tabloid, Bild, recently made a massive symbolic statement on the issue. They have vowed to cover up any Russian government-owned sponsors in their online and newspaper images reporting on football games.
For example, Schalke's main sponsor Gazprom, a company with important ties to Germany, was covered up by Bild with a message reading: "Freiheit für die Ukraine" (Freedom for Ukraine).
Bild want to call out Russian state-owned companies such as Gazprom, who are indirectly helping fund the country's military invasion of Ukraine
Gazprom have been Schalke's main sponsor since 2007. They also have a long-running deal with UEFA, appearing prominently during Champions League nights.
Bild are saying 'enough is enough'. They want to call out Russian state-owned companies such as Gazprom, who are indirectly helping fund the country's military invasion of Ukraine.
The German tabloid want to see both UEFA and Schalke pull out of their Gazprom deals, as well as have the 2022 Champions League final relocated away from St. Petersburg. So far, neither of UEFA nor Schalke have put any pressure on Gazprom or Russia.
What do you think of this move by Bild? Do you agree with the measures they are taking to support Ukraine against Russia? Comment below.