October 26 – Bayern Munich fans have moved again against the club’s sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which remains contentious amongst its fans due to the airline’s state ownership and Qatar’s human rights record.
Club member Michael Ott has reignited the pressure on the club hierarchy with a motion that would force Bayern to allow its sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways to expire. Ott also wants to ensure that the club won’t conclude any further sponsorship deals in the future with companies of which a majority is owned by the Qatari Emirate.
“Qatar Airways is 100% owned by the Emirate of Qatar,” said Ott. “This country stands for massive human rights violations, and there moreover are serious charges of corruption in sports. Instead of effecting change, FC Bayern is actively helping the Emirate of Qatar with its sponsorship to draw attention away from these evils.”
Ott added that the sponsorship damages Munich’s reputation and “falls short of its status as an exemplary model.” Munich fans have attacked their club’s links and association with Qatar before.
In 2016, Hamad International Airport became a “platinum sponsor” of the club, which fed Qatar Airways sleeve sponsorship deal in 2017. The German champions have often staged their winter camp at the Aspire Academy in Doha.
On November 25, the sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways will be on the agenda of the club’s general assembly.
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