Opposition to Visit Rwanda sponsorship

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

And remember kids....

The club could get extremely annoyed if its inbox (fancomplaints@avfc.co.uk) is flooded with complaints about this outrage.

So don't do it!

Yes, that would be extremely bad... 

Done

[Grumpy]

Am I going mad? Visit Rwanda is owned by Nassefs brother?

[Dogtanian]

Where have you seen that?

I found this which shows that Wes Edens has connections with Rwanda;

https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/one-of-aston-villas-owners-is-an-investor-in-rwanda-the-story-behind-visit-rwandas-latest-football-partnership

"On their board, they have a board member who’s already invested in Rwanda. So I think they’re very much aware of the country and its ambitions.”

The investor she referred to is American billionaire Wesley "Wes" Edens, whose fortune is estimated at approximately $2.5 billion.

[purpletrousers]

Where have you seen that?

I found this which shows that Wes Edens has connections with Rwanda;

https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/one-of-aston-villas-owners-is-an-investor-in-rwanda-the-story-behind-visit-rwandas-latest-football-partnership

"On their board, they have a board member who’s already invested in Rwanda. So I think they’re very much aware of the country and its ambitions.”

The investor she referred to is American billionaire Wesley "Wes" Edens, whose fortune is estimated at approximately $2.5 billion.

Bingo. No wonder Mallory didn’t reply to my DM

[purpletrousers]

Am I going mad? Visit Rwanda is owned by Nassefs brother?

More likely the Rw govt own? Unless outsourced? They obvious have some smart cookies

[Coop]

Just passed 300,  Mr Edens.

[PeterWithe]

Am I going mad? Visit Rwanda is owned by Nassefs brother?

The training kit sponsor, el Gounda or suchlike.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

As part of the agreement, Rwandan coffee will be the exclusive coffee served at the stadium.

[Brazilian Villain]

The new accommodation block at BMH is also set to be named Hotel Rwanda.

[wince]

No better than the rest now are we?

[Grumpy]

Sorry, google did me dirty.
Bastard AI.

[purpletrousers]

Sorry, google did me dirty.
Bastard AI.

I’m (maybe not) amazed how inaccurate AI can be, literally making shite up it presents with apparent comfidence. Is it all as bad as ChatGPT?

I actually have a bit more sympathy for naive WMP who came up with fictitious fixture/trouble for the Macabbi.

[Skipper_The_Eyechild]

Late to the party but I was always going to sign.

[Coop]

I've now received a reply from the club, which I reproduce here, along with my original email....

"Sir/Madam

As one who has supported my beloved Aston Villa for 56 years, I feel morally compelled to express my utter disgust at the latest choice of shirt sponsor. The gambling "industry" was bad enough, but for the club to lower itself with Visit Rwanda is nothing short of disgraceful. This step has tarnished the image of our club, and the happy events in Istanbul, just a few short weeks ago.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr47/8275/2024/en/

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/10/rwandas-repression-across-borders

 https://freedomhouse.org/report/transnational-repression/rwanda

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/10/rwanda-accused-of-broad-campaign-of-repression-against-dissidents

https://freedomhouse.org/country/rwanda/freedom-world/2025

M.Cooper"
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Dear Mick,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and share your concerns regarding Aston Villa's partnership with Visit Rwanda.

We recognise that supporters hold a wide range of views on matters relating to commercial partnerships, and we appreciate those who have taken the time to express their opinions respectfully.

The Club carefully considers all commercial partnerships and undertakes appropriate due diligence as part of that process. Visit Rwanda’s partnership with Aston Villa is focused on promoting tourism, investment, cultural exchange and economic opportunity through the global platform of sport.

We value the feedback we receive and will continue to listen to the perspectives of our supporters on matters that are important to them.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact the Club.

Kind regards,
Aston Villa Football Club"
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To which I've replied (repeating myself a bit)...

"Sir/Madam

My thanks for your swift response, but that simply isn't good enough. Would the club enter into an agreement with Vladimir Putin's Russia if there was enough cash on offer?
It pains me to say it, but the club I love has sold its soul to an oppressive, criminal regime, and your answer, somewhat predictably fails to address that fact. I've loved Aston Villa for over fifty years, and have been in attendance for many of it's finest moments; including the 1982 European Cup Final. I never once imagined that I'd have cause to be ashamed of my club.

Mick Cooper"

[cdbearsfan]

Good reply. Let us know if they reply.