November 22 – FIFA have extended their partnership with Qatar Airways until 2030, the world governing body confirmed on Wednesday.
Qatar Airways has been a FIFA sponsor since 2017 and the new agreement will cover the next two World Cups as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
“It is a great partnership that has brought a lot of success to FIFA, and of course as well to Qatar Airways,” said the FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was in Doha to reveal the contract extension.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer of Qatar Airways said: “We are excited to extend our partnership with FIFA as the Global Airline Partner. As an airline, we are committed to connecting the world, and this partnership allows us to reach millions of football fans. Football has the power to unite people across cultures and continents, and we are proud to continue to be part of this incredible journey. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming tournaments and look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for fans around the world.”
Last year, Qatar were the first country from the Middle East and Arab world to stage the World Cup, but the tournament, which saw Argentina and Messi win, remained hugely controversial because of Qatar’s lamentable human rights record. Next year, the Asian Cup returns to Qatar for the first time since 2011.
Gulf state sponsors look set to be the drivers of FIFA’s sponsorship programmes with Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco rumoured to have agreed in principle a $1 billion+, 10-year deal with FIFA. In 2034 Saudi Arabia is likely to host the World Cup with the country being the only bidder for the event.
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