This news will make many FC Bayern fans particularly happy: Those in charge at Munich have finally decided not to extend the expiring and highly controversial sponsorship contract with Qatar Airways. The club confirmed this on Wednesday.
“The contract between FC Bayern and Qatar Airways ends by mutual agreement after five very exciting years together,” said a statement published by the Munich team on their website.
“FC Bayern Munich 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 Qatar Airways employees all the best for the future,” said the CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen quoted in the communication.
Al Baker meanwhile spoke of a “fruitful cooperation” and also wished FC Bayern “all the best” for the future.
FC Bayern loses 25 million euros per season
For the people of Munich, the separation from the state airline of the World Cup organizers means above all a financial cut. According to unconfirmed reports, the record champions are said to have received 25 million euros per season from the company.
In return, Qatar Airways was always present in the form of large advertising boards, especially at the home games in the Allianz Arena. The company’s logo also adorned the jersey of the Bayern pros.
Apparently, it has not yet been finally decided who will decorate the jersey sleeves of FCB in the future. Those responsible for Dreesen are currently in talks with possible sponsors.
It is not known whether the separation may also have an impact on the upcoming winter training camps in Munich. FC Bayern has been preparing for the second half of the season in the desert state for many years. In this context, the players and above all those responsible repeatedly praised the excellent training conditions.
FC Bayern’s cooperation with the Qatari airline has repeatedly been sharply criticized in recent years. Especially in the direct exchange with the fans at the annual general meetings, the discussion on the controversial topic regularly escalated. In addition, the supporters vented their displeasure with the partnership with numerous posters during the games.