Opposition to Visit Rwanda sponsorship

[cdbearsfan]

Good work Doggy.

[Dogtanian]

Cheers.

I've put it on Blue Sky and it's added an awful border. For the next one, I will look at sizing to try and get rid of that.

https://bsky.app/profile/vf4es.bsky.social/post/3mr37x5t7jf2y

[Dogtanian]

Now on X (eurgh!)

https://x.com/vf_4_es/status/2079173837824934159?s=20

Please like, repost, follow, etc.

[Dogtanian]

And on Instagram, but I think I have to do something with the link in the Bio, but it's not letting me yet;

https://www.instagram.com/p/DbA5lCMiOLk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==


I'm going to play around with the banners on the accounts when I get time.

[PeterWithesShin]

What will limit its spread is that it's unlikely anyone with a relationship with the club will promote it, most Villa youtubers, ex-players etc I mean.

[Dogtanian]

What will limit its spread is that it's unlikely anyone with a relationship with the club will promote it, most Villa youtubers, ex-players etc I mean.

Yes, and not paying for X will mean they will make sure it doesn't get shown above anyone who does, no matter what.

[amfy]

I've also individually sent it to Facebook friends who might not support Villa or even like football, but will sign a petition in support of human rights, a few of them have signed and also shared it onwards.

[PeterWithesShin]

I should add that I mean even if they really don't like the VR deal they won't have the minerals to speak out.

[Chris Harte]

Retweeted/re-X'ed it.

[purpletrousers]

This is all great.
We need to try to organise / coordinate, I know coop is not keen on my first choice of comms so I have suggested a Signal group

I’m not an expert but I have had to be v careful as eg even what’s app was comprised at one point

“ Signal is entirely free and ad-free. Operated by an independent non-profit, it is widely considered the gold standard for secure private messaging. It features default end-to-end encryption and open-source code, meaning nobody—not even Signal itself—can read your messages”

Threema I think was even more secure and I had to pay for, had to be v careful what I’ve used as my mate has had multiple death threats and sharing testimonies etc is sensitive but suggest we could do with a Signal group if folk are happy to use and DM me your number or unique user name?

We have a major issue re capacity, it’s tempting to leave it to others but there is no one. Pls if you can help even a tiny bit get in touch and between us hopefully we’ll coordinate and get things rolling.

[purpletrousers]

First competitive match in sponsored shirt

12/8/26 PSG in Salzburg

First home game

31/8/26 Monday 8pm Arsenal

Both were/are Rw sponsored and have fans likely willing to show solidarity.

These are prime photo opportunities for a banner at least outside the ground if we can make it happen, if not get something into the ground?

[Dogtanian]

I haven't used Signal, but I agree it would be best to have a not so open forum to discuss things. But it depends how many people are up for getting involved?

Can you please follow and like the social media accounts and ask others to as well?

X (Eurgh!)
https://x.com/vf_4_es

Blue Sky
https://bsky.app/profile/vf4es.bsky.social

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/vf4esd/

[Sexual Ealing]

Bump. Has there been response from the Arsenal group that campaigned against this?

[purpletrousers]

Hi.
I’ve been in touch today actually around asking for contacts at PSG and indeed their away fan add as these are very obvious initial fixtures to focus on where we should get opposition solidarity as they’ve both done their own thing.

As it stands though we are not organised and in dire need to pull together, deeply grateful for those that have done stuff the petition and socials but it needs organising.

Anyone going to Super Cup Final or Arsenal home pls can you dm so we can try to arrange a banner photo, also will need to fundraise/design to have one etc.

There is a real risk of presuming others are organising here in our busy lives and nowt happens, please do get in touch by DM.

[Percy McCarthy]

I think I've come to the conclusion that I just won't be buying any replica sportwear from the club with the 'Visit Rwanda' branding.

The club can ignore online petitions, and send out carefully crafted yet copied-and-pasted response emails to concerned fans, but if the fanbase as a whole don't buy the replica shirts with the branding and, for instance, buy the training and pre-match kits that aren't carrying the branding then that'll at least send a mesage out to the club. The club will notice that sort of thing, and it might just make them rethink the deal. It won't have an immediate impact but it might shorten the deal. Remember that the club have recent history with cutting short agreements - the Castore deal was ended early due to 'sweaty' shirts.

Edit - going back to that article by The Athletic, it's interesting that the value of the Betano deal is now being revised downwards to £14m p/s compared to the £20m p/s we were all told at the time. Anyone know if the club use The Athletic as a mouthpiece?

The club give them just enough info to make the new deal look. Even if that involves giving them just enough info to make the last deal look bad. All without declaring anything definitively.

Don’t be taken in by it, is my advice.