Bayern Munich will not extend its expiring contract with its controversial sponsor Qatar Airways, as announced by the German football record champion on Wednesday. The cooperation will end „amicably after five exciting years“, the club said in a statement. The partnership has been in place since 2018 and is said to have brought Bayern €25 million per season. It will expire on June 30.
„The FC Bayern Munich and Qatar Airways have worked successfully and learned from each other,“ said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, thanking Akbar Al-Baker, the CEO of Qatar Airways. Al-Baker spoke of a „fruitful collaboration over the years. FC Bayern Munich is a great football club whose games we have watched with joy and passion.“
The connections to the Arab world „will remain,“ the Munich club announced: „Both partners have actively promoted an exchange between cultures.“ This has led to friendships that will also „continue to exist.“ The active fan scene has always viewed the connection critically because of the human rights situation in the host country of the 2022 World Cup. In 2021, this led to a scandal at Bayern’s annual general meeting.
„Incredible news this morning! It was completely unexpected but all the more beautiful! Many thanks to all the supporters who have been engaged against the sponsorship. Together we are strong!“ – Michael Ott (@Maitre_Ott) June 28, 2023. New sponsor still open.
The decision to separate comes as a surprise. Just two weeks ago, President Herbert Hainer had reported talks about an extension. „In addition to financial and legal aspects, we also care about social aspects,“ he said, announcing: „We will talk to Qatar Airways and then see what comes out.“
Chief critic Michael Ott reacted with relief. „These are incredible news, I didn’t expect that,“ he told SID. The separation is „completely unexpected but all the more beautiful.“ He spoke of a „success of the active fan scene.“ Via Twitter, he thanked the supporters and called out to them: „Together we are strong!“
It is not yet final who will adorn Bayern’s jersey sleeve in the future. Ott hopes for a partner „who considers certain core values.“
Overall, the decision not to extend the sponsorship with Qatar Airways has received positive reactions, especially from the fan scene. The controversies surrounding Qatar’s human rights record and treatment of migrant workers have been a topic of discussion among fans for years. With the upcoming need to find a new sponsor, Bayern Munich will have the opportunity to align itself with a partner whose values are more in line with the club’s and its fans‘ expectations.
