Bayern Munich has decided not to renew its sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar after it expires at the end of June. The club said that the deal, which had been in place since 2018, would end by mutual consent.
The club had faced criticism from some of its fans and human rights groups over the sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which was seen as a sign of support for a country accused of violating human rights, especially of migrant workers and LGBT people. Qatar has also been under scrutiny for its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which has been marred by allegations of corruption, labour abuses, and environmental damage.
Bayern Munich said in a statement that both partners had actively promoted an exchange between cultures through football, including women's football, and that they had developed trusting and open relationships that would continue. Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of FC Bayern Munich said, "FC Bayern Munich and Qatar Airways have worked together successfully and learned from each other. For that, I would like to thank Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways. We wish all Qatar Airways employees all the best for the future.”
The sponsorship deal between Bayern Munich and Qatar Airways was reportedly worth 100 million euros ($109 million) and included branding on the club's shirtsleeves, stadium advertising, and travel arrangements. The deal also involved Bayern Munich playing friendly matches in Qatar during its winter break.
Bayern Munich is not the only European club that has ties with Qatar as Paris Saint-Germain, the French club, is owned by Qatar Sports Investments, a state-backed entity. Barcelona, the Spanish club, had a shirt sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways from 2013 to 2017 and then with Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organization, from 2011 to 2013.
