By Safaa Kasraoui
Rabat – Spanish football club, FC Barcelona, has confirmed that its sponsorship agreement with Qatar Airways has not been affected by the political tensions happening in the Middle East.
Qatar Airways have been sponsoring the Catalans since 2013.
With the sponsorship agreement with Barcelona and Qatar Airways coming to an end on June 30, Japanese company, Rakuten, will become the global sponsor of the Catalans, starting July 1.
Rakuten is a global company and a dynamic leader in e-commerce, communications and FinTech services for businesses around the world.
“Rakuten has the exact profile we were looking for a clear global vocation, which is consistent with our quest to be better known around the world.”
On Monday, six Arab countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all cut ties with Qatar due to political tensions. This has consequently made several sports figures and Barcelona supporters concerned with their sponsorship linking the club with Qatar.
According to sports news outlet, Goal, the Spanish club has confirmed that their sponsorship agreement has not been affected by the political tension occurring in the middle East.
“We won’t be affected at all because all links with Qatar end on 30th June,” said the club.
According to the same source, French football club, Paris Saint-Germain, has also confirmed that their sponsorship was not and will not be affected by this tension.
Paris Saint-Germain is currently sponsored by Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSi).
