By Victor Kanayo
Both Bayern Munich and Qatar Airways have decided to part ways in a hitherto sponsorship deal.
This was revealed in a statement by the sides on Wednesday with an agreement that the contract will terminate by June 30, 2023, after five years.
Germany’s biggest club had long faced criticism for its ties to Doha and the state-owned carrier in relation to alleged human rights issues, particularly surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Part of the statement regarding to the contract termination said, “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 an exchange between cultures. It has always been the goal of FC Bayern and Qatar Airways to connect people through football, including women’s football. Trusting, open exchanges have created friendships that will continue.”
Reacting to the development, Bayern’s new CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said the team and Qatar Airways “have worked together successfully and learned from each other”.
The disengaged means the Bundesliga giants will no longer wear the logo of Qatar Airways on their sleeve, or anywhere else.
Bayern’s sleeve sponsorship deal and other business partnerships with Qatar has attracted sustained criticism from supporters, who have protested against the relationship with banners at matches and motions and speeches at annual general meetings.
