The Finnish shipping giant had made an agreement to sponsor the club to the tune of 12,500 euros over the next five years. The first year worth of support, a total of 2,500 euros had already been paid.
Arctia’s Director said the firm had made the contract to support the curlers based on Virtaala’s recommendation.
Virtaala forwarded his resignation, emphasizing the legality of hobby group sponsorship, but saying he made a misjudgment in this case. The Joensuu curlers hopes of support have been put on ice for now -- the agreement has been dismantled by mutual agreement.
The company has been otherwise restrained in its sponsorship relationships. Aside from the curling club, the only other body to have received support is the Finnish Nature League. The NGO’s children’s environmental awareness programme attracted backing to the tune of 200 euros over the last two years
Arctia Shipping has also stated that it will give the cold shoulder to all sporting clubs seeking sponsorship in the future.