Qatar Airways will enter into a strategic partnership with football giants FC Barcelona that sees the airline’s brand name appear on first team shirts from the start of the 2013-14 season. The three-year agreement with the runaway Spanish league leaders and former winners of the Champions League will be effective from 1 July 2013.
As part of the agreement with Qatar Airways, the airline’s name will adorn Barca first-team shirts at La Liga matches across Spain, Champions League matches across Europe, as well as friendly matches, including FC Barcelona’s pre-season tours.
Qatar Airways will become the club’s Global Main Partner, signalling the first time the airline has engaged in a sponsorship with a major soccer club. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said it will be a unique partnership between the World’s Best Club and the Best Airline in the World, describing the alignment with Barca as:
…a fitting match for both organisations, which will elevate the brands to a new platform on the global stage and sharing the same values – passionate about being the best at what we do in our respective fields.’
Al Baker was joined by FC Barcelona president Sandro Rosell to announce the upcoming partnership at a joint Press Conference held at the club’s home stadium, Camp Nou.
Al Baker added:
FC Barcelona is a club that exemplifies passion, pride, heritage and culture at its core. These are values we share, admire and are fundamental to Qatar Airways.’
