Parimatch has ended its partnership with Russian esports team Team Spirit, citing the “difficulties of operating” during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The partnership first began in 2019. It was renewed earlier this year, extending the deal until 2024.
During the partnership, Parimatch branding was featured on Team Spirit’s Dota 2 and CS:GO uniforms.
Stepan Shulga, head of esports at Parimatch Tech, explained that the end of the partnership was due to the war in Ukraine and that there were no contractual disputes with Team Spirit.
“We have no mutual claims because all agreement terms were fulfilled throughout the partnership,” said Shulga.
“But, given the difficulties of operating during the war, we consider this solution the only one possible.”
Earlier this week Team Spirit announced that its office was to be relocated to Belgrade, Serbia, changing its initial plans to expand infrastructure in Russia.
At the beginning of the month Parimatch removed its brand from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Parimatch had been operating in Russia through the Betring LLC.
At the time of the withdrawal Parimatch announced that it had set aside UAH30m to provide vital resources for those fighting for Ukraine. Parimatch later announced that it had doubled this to UAH60m (£1.5m/€1.8/$2.0m).
