Earlier this week, Qatar Airways & FC Bayern Munich announced by mutual agreement the end of their sponsorship proceedings.
The two sides had been in partnership since 2018, with the partnership ending on Friday just gone.
In a statement, the airline said the following on this:
“The connections that FC Bayern has been able to forge with its fans in the Arab world through Qatar Airways will remain.”
“Both partners have actively promoted exchange between cultures.”
“It has always been the goal of FC Bayern and [the airline] to connect people through football, including women’s football. Trusting, open exchanges have created friendships that will continue.”
Qatar Airways & FC Bayern Executives Add to the Statement…
Commenting on the termination of the agreement was Jan-Christian Dreesen, the Chairman of the Board of FC Bayern Munich:
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“FC Bayern and Qatar Airways have worked together successfully and learned from each other. I would like to thank Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, for this.”
“We wish all employees of Qatar Airways all the best for the future.”
Adding to this was the GCEO of the airline, Akbar Al Baker:
“Qatar Airways and FC Bayern Munich have had a fruitful partnership for years. FC Bayern is a great football club whose games we have followed with joy and passion.”
“We wish the team all the best for the future.”
Previous Controversy with Bayern Munich…
The sponsorship deal between the airline and Bayern Munich has caused controversy within Germany.
The airline became a platinum partner of the football club back in 2018.
At the football club’s annual general meeting back in 2021, there were boos and chants for ties with Qatar Airways to be ended, especially as the airline is state-owned.
The German National Football Team was going to wear a “One Love” armband in support of diversity and the ongoing human rights violations.
Still, it was reversed due to pressure and threats of sanctions from FIFA.
What remains clear is that this end of a contract that eventually ended up being mired in controversy amongst fans and for local politics in both Germany and the airline.
