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The German club have announced that they will be severing ties with the Russian company amid mounting tension in Eastern Europe.

German second-tier outfit Schalke have announced that they will be removing Gazprom sponsorship from the club's shirts following advances by Russian troops onto Ukrainian soil.

With political tension mounting in Eastern European, Russian military forces have invaded neighbouring Ukraine on the orders of president Vladimir Putin.

And Schalke have confirmed they will be replacing the Gazprom lettering on their shirt, while board member Matthias Warnig is to step down.

What has been said?

A statement from Schalke on the club’s official website reads: "In view of the events, development and escalation of the past few days, FC Schalke 04 has decided to remove the lettering of its main sponsor - 'Gazprom' - from the jerseys.

"This step follows discussions with Gazprom Germania. Instead, 'Schalke 04' will be on the chest of the Royal Blues."

The German club added on Matthias Warnig's departure, with the 66-year-old having served on the board as a representative of Gazprom: "Matthias Warnig informed FC Schalke 04's supervisory board on Thursday that he is to step down from his position with immediate effect.

"The 66-year-old has been part of the board as a representative of main sponsor Gazprom since July 2019.

"Once all formalities are completed, Warnig will no longer be a part of the Royal Blues’ supervisory board.

"FC Schalke 04 would like to thank Matthias Warnig for his involvement with the club over the past two and a half years."