Bayern Munich, Qatar Airways end sponsorship deal after fan pressure
Fans of the German soccer champions have long-criticized the deal over concerns of Qatar's alleged human rights violations.
Bayern Munich players will no longer wear the Qatar Airways logo on their jersey sleeves after years of fans pressuring the German club not to renew their €100 million ($109 million) sponsorship deal over human rights concerns.
The club announced the news in a statement Wednesday. "The contract between FC Bayern and Qatar Airways ends by mutual agreement on 30 June 2023 after five very exciting years together,” Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said in the statement.
"Both partners have actively promoted an exchange between cultures," he added. "It has always been the goal of FC Bayern and Qatar Airways to connect people through football, including women's football. Trusting, open exchanges have created friendships that will continue."
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar al-Baker said that his airline has had a fruitful partnership with Bayern over the years.
