Lewandowski was the regional in Poland, central and eastern Europe and Scandinavia
Robert Lewandowski has ended his sponsorship agreement with Chinese technology company Huawei amid reports they are helping Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Reports in China, as per the Daily Mail, claim that Huawei has been helping Vladimir Putin’s efforts to stabilise Russia’s internet network after it recently came under attack from hackers.
The report, which was published on a Chinese news site before being deleted, is thought to have suggested that Huawei would use its research centres to train ‘50,000 technical experts in Russia’.
Now, Bayern Munich and Poland striker Lewandowski has opted to quit his role as a regional ambassador for the company in Poland, central and eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
“Huawei CBG Polska regrets the end of the partnership with Robert Lewandowski. We appreciate our long-term cooperation and wish him every success in the future,” read an update from the company.
🚨 Poland and Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski drops Huawei as a sponsor after the Chinese brand was reported to be helping out Russia with IT infrastructure after its invasion on Ukraine https://t.co/V9vNxNbG2D
— Jakub Krupa (@JakubKrupa) March 7, 2022
The 33-year-old’s agent, Tomasz ZawiĹ›lak, also confirmed that it was the striker’s decision, rather than Huawei’s, to bring the sponsorship deal to a conclusion.
“It is true. Today we decided to end the marketing cooperation between Robert Lewandowski and the Huawei brand,” he explained to Interia Sport.
“Therefore, the implementation of all promotional services has been suspended on our part.”
ZawiĹ›lak was also asked whether Lewandowski’s decision to cut ties with he Chinese tech giants was due to the company still operating in Russia.
He replied: “We do not have full information on this, so I will stop at what we have already stated.”
Lewandowksi led his country’s boycott of their World Cup play-off with Russia and has voiced his support for the people of Ukraine.
Poland were set to face-off against Russia later this month, but the game has been scrapped after Russia were banned by FIFA and UEFA.
It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) February 26, 2022
“It is the right decision!” tweeted Lewandowski.
“I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues.
“Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”
Related links:
- Colchester to donate gate receipts for one game to Ukraine war victims
- Premier League and EFL set to cancel Russia TV deal
- Poland players release statement refusing to play Russia in World Cup play-off
