HUMAN RIGHTS

icf 200“A football club is about more than just the game… I am proud of the work we are doing, but I want to also emphasise how far we still have to go to eradicate all forms of discrimination.” Ivan Gazidis

Arsenal Football Club is about more than just football. However, while Arsenal extol virtues of equality, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, they continue to accept sponsorships from some of the most repressive regimes in the world.

Here, we will keep an eye on what those companies and countries are up to so you are aware of what is behind large chunks of money the club makes. We will also provide updates on human rights issues we feel our readers will be interested in.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on February 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Arsenal ban 31 abusive supporters

Arsenal takes a firm stand against abusive and discriminatory behaviour, handing three-year bans to 31 members and season ticket holders.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Alan Shearer and Ian Wright attend the Premier League Hall of Fame 2022 on April 21, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for eSC)

Tory councillor sends racist tweet about Ian Wright

Conservative councillor Alexis McEvoy has caused outrage by sending a racist tweet about ex-footballer and TV pundit Ian Wright, calling him a "typical black hypocrite" in relation to his support for Gary Lineker.
BERN, SWITZERLAND - OCTOBER 15: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland chat with fans and his father Ragip Xhaka after winning the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier match between Switzerland and Slovenia match held at Stade de Suisse on October 15, 2013 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

“I was arrested and tortured” Granit Xhaka’s dad tells his harrowing...

Granit Xhaka will collect his 100th Switzerland cap when he captains his country against Kosovo, in a game that means more than just a footballing milestone for the Xhaka family.
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 06: Gareth Southgate (L) and David Elleray speak prior to the Round of 16 UEFA Champions League match between Paris St Germain and Valencia CF at Parc des Princes on March 6, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Chair of Referee’s committee faces racism probe, will step down

The chair of the Referees’ committee, David Elleray, is to step down at the end of the season as the FA Launch an independent investigation into the 67-year-old’s conduct.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Shuai Peng of China plays a backhand during her Women's Doubles first round match with partner Shuai Zhang of China against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia and Alison Riske of the United States on day four of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Where is Peng Shuai?

China remains silent on the whereabouts of Peng Shuai, who has not been seen since making a sexual assault allegation against a former top Chinese official.
Visit-Rwanda

Arsenal renew sleeve deal with Visit Rwanda

Arsenal have reportedly extended their deal with Rwanda who will continue to sponsor the club's shirt sleeves.