Letter from Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights to Antonio Cerezo, President of Atlético de Madrid
Dear Mr. President, On behalf of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights...we would like to draw your attention to and express our great concern at the current political situation in Azerbaijan. In the light of the recent events in this country...we call on Atletico Madrid to reconsider the sponsorship agreement between your club and the state of Azerbaijan...In recent days, the most prominent human rights defenders in Azerbaijan have been arrested...[T]he recent crackdown is just another step in a long chain of assaults on democratic values...In the light of those facts, we do not understand why such an outstanding football team, would agree to promote Azerbaijan on its shirts...We kindly ask you to consider the above presented facts, bearing in mind that in every football match Atletico Madrid supports this authoritarian regime...