In a deal that would make Kildare or Cork GAA’s eyes water Qatar Airways is to pay €170 million to Barcelona in taking over the famous club’s shirt sponsorship from next season.
The airline replaces the Qatar Foundation who have paved the way towards a full commercial deal over the past two years.
Barcelona had previously donated their shirt sponsorship space to Unicef but commercial pressure has forced the club to come into line with its principal rivals in European soccer’s elite.
“Qatar Airways is an ambitious brand with global aspirations, always committed to achieving the utmost excellence in its field. These are objectives with which FC Barcelona fully identifies,” said Barcelona President Sandro Roselli.
Regional rivals Emirates sponsor Arsenal and are the official airline partner of the FIFA World Cup while Etihad, who also support the All Ireland Hurling Championship, are the main backers of current Barclays Premier League Champions Manchester City.
Qatari interests also own Malaga in Spain and Paris St Germain in France.
The decision to support Barcelona is based on their global brand but also because Al Jazeera’s coverage of Spanish football across the Gulf states has traditionally drawn greater interest than Abu Dhabi TV’s rights to the English Premier League.
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