DÜSSELDORF (dpa-AFX) - Less than a week after Borussia Dortmund, Düsseldorfer EG from the German Ice Hockey League has also confirmed Rheinmetall as a new sponsor. The agreement is initially valid for one year, DEG announced on Tuesday. In future, the Dax group will advertise with its name on the ice and on boards, but not on the jerseys. The "Rheinische Post" had previously reported on the deal.

In contrast to the Bundesliga soccer club from Dortmund, where the group is expected to provide a two-digit million sum per year, the "Rheinische Post" reports that DEG is talking about a six-digit sum. The eight-time German champions have been on the lookout for new sponsors for some time due to high expenses that are putting a strain on the budget.

Following the announcement of the Rheinmetall deal, BVB was heavily criticized. Pacifists, human rights organizations and even some fans criticized Dortmund for taking money from an arms company that also does business with autocratic states.

However, Rheinmetall has long been a sponsor, particularly in Düsseldorf, where the company is based, and in the surrounding area. For example, the Bergischer HC handball team, the Capitol Bascats basketball team and the sports city of Düsseldorf, which promotes top-class sport in the region.

"Rheinmetall is a company steeped in tradition and one of the largest and most important employers in the region. It is therefore a matter of course for us that Rheinmetall is expanding the circle of our partners," DEG Managing Director Harald Wirtz was quoted as saying on Tuesday./lap/DP/stw