Rhasidat Adeleke renews Allianz sponsorship as calls grow for GAA to scrap deal
Irish athletics superstar Rhasidat Adeleke has announced an extension of her brand ambassador partnership with Allianz. The insurance giant are also the title sponsor of the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and Paralympics Ireland.The news comes as Armagh have become the latest county to pass a motion calling on the GAA to scrap their commercial partnership with Allianz. For over 30 years, Allianz have sponsored the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues, making it one of Ireland's longest running sports sponsorships. The deal was renewed earlier this year and looks set to run to 2030 - unless the GAA vote for change at Congress.Antrim, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, Offaly, Roscommon, and Tyrone have all passed similar motions to Armagh in recent weeks.Earlier this year, a UN report highlighted Allianz's investments in companies tied to the Israeli occupation and Gaza conflict, naming its subsidiary PIMCO as a buyer of Israeli treasury bonds.In a statement, Allianz plc, the operating entity for Allianz in the Republic of Ireland, said: "The GAA's Ethics and Integrity Commission's review is ongoing, and we fully respect the Association's governance structures and independent process. It would be inappropriate to comment while the Committee carries out its work."We are engaging constructively as appropriate and won't be commenting further while the review is under way."Olympian Adeleke is the first Irish woman to break the 50-second barrier in the 400m and has been backed to challenge for a medal at the LA Games in 2028.In her role as Allianz ambassador, Rhasidat will support the Allianz sponsored ‘Dare to Believe’ Olympic schools programme, as well as Allianz’s ‘Stop the Drop’ campaign – an initiative designed to address the issue of declining sports participation among young people.“I’m delighted to continue my partnership with Allianz," said Adeleke. "Their support for me and Team Ireland has been exceptional. They are passionate about encouraging young people to achieve their dreams and, for me, that is one of the most important ways you can support athlete development."With an eye on LA 2028, I’m excited to see what lies ahead for Irish athletes and I’m grateful for Allianz’s continued support as we strive to reach new heights.”Commenting on the renewed partnership with Adeleke, Allianz Head of Marketing, Mark Brennan, said: “Her success and humility continue to inspire aspiring athletes across Ireland, and we are privileged to support her as she continues to build towards the LA28 Olympic Games."Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
