Arsenal names ‘Israeli’-founded company as new shirt sponsor
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Arsenal Football Club has announced a multi-year agreement with Deel, designating the HR and payroll technology company as its official shirt sleeve partner starting from the 2026/27 season.
Deel’s logo will feature on the left sleeve of the club’s home, away, and third kits, marking only the second global brand to occupy this prominent position.
The partnership builds on an earlier collaboration established in December 2025, when Deel became Arsenal’s Official HR Platform Partner.
Deel was founded in 2019 by French-‘Israeli’ entrepreneur Alex Bouaziz, who serves as CEO and resides in Tel Aviv, along with co-founder Shuo Wang.
Bouaziz has publicly expressed strong support for ‘Israel’, particularly following the events of October 2023, including concerns for ‘Israeli’ reservists called into service.
This sponsorship has provoked backlash from segments of Arsenal’s fanbase and pro-Palestinian advocates.
Critics highlight Bouaziz’s statements of solidarity with ‘Israel’ and reports of Deel executives providing support to ‘Israeli’ forces.
Bouaziz said back in October 2023, that he and other executives were buying clothes and supplies for soldiers, in statements cited by The New York Times.
The controversy echoes prior tensions at the club, including the dismissal of long-serving kit man Mark Bonnick over pro-Palestine social media activity.
