Tibet Water Resources Limited exploits the natural resources of Tibet, a country that has been under brutal military occupation for nearly 70 years. Now one of the world’s biggest football teams, Liverpool FC, have signed a sponsorship deal with them.

Companies like Tibet Water Ltd are only able to take Tibet’s resources because of the occupation, an occupation propped up by repression and human rights abuses.

Its brand — and now Liverpool FC — lend legitimacy to the occupation and the accompanying violence and repression.

The Chinese government knows it can only continue to get away with repression in Tibet if its occupation has legitimacy. And associating Tibet with major global brands like Liverpool FC is a great way to normalise the brutal situation.

Premier League clubs have never been richer, with Liverpool receiving over £148m from TV and prize money last year. The club has also just returned to the Champions League, earning them tens of millions more — they can easily afford to drop this reckless deal.

Tibetans have been protesting the move already, handing out leaflets at Liverpool’s opening day Premier League fixture and contacting the club’s directors to warn them of the damage this deal risks doing. Now they need our help — send a message to John W.Henry, Liverpool FC’s owner, to let him know that supporting the military occupation and exploitation of Tibet’s resources is not an option.

Liverpool FC — stand up for Tibetans and cancel the deal with Tibet Water Resources Limited.