Bayern Munich terminates contentious partnership with Qatar Airways

Bayern Munich announces the conclusion of their contentious partnership with Qatar Airways

Bayern Munich confirmed on Wednesday that they have chosen not to renew their sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which has been a subject of controversy due to human rights concerns in Qatar. The agreement, which lasted for five years, will come to an end on June 30 by mutual agreement, according to a joint statement released by both parties.

The statement also emphasized that the bonds established between FC Bayern and its fans in the Arab world through Qatar Airways will remain intact. Jan-Christian Dreesen, Bayern’s new CEO, acknowledged the successful collaboration between the team and the airline, stating that they have learned from each other during their partnership.

Akbar Al Baker, the chief executive of Qatar Airways, wished Bayern all the best for their future endeavors. He expressed admiration for FC Bayern as a renowned football club, stating that they have followed their games with joy and passion.

This decision comes as Bayern Munich faced criticism for their association with Qatar and the state-owned airline, particularly regarding human rights issues surrounding the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The club’s connection with the Gulf state was met with disapproval during their 2021 general assembly, with members voicing their concerns and demanding the termination of the partnership.

During the previous World Cup, the German national team reneged on their commitment to wear a “One Love” armband in support of human rights and diversity, citing potential on-field sanctions from FIFA. In the team’s pre-match photo, the players posed with their hands covering their mouths, indicating that they felt silenced by the governing body of the sport. Despite off-field distractions, Germany denied that the events had an impact on their performance but failed to progress beyond the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup.

Note: The original news story has been edited and paraphrased for brevity and clarity.