German champions Bayern Munich will no longer wear the logo of Qatar Airways on their sleeve, or anywhere else, after announcing an end to a controversial commercial deal on Wednesday.”
The contract between FC Bayern and Qatar Airways ends by mutual agreement on 30 June 2023 after five very exciting years together,” the club confirmed in a statement that went on to say:”
Both partners have actively promoted an exchange between cultures. 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’s position on LGBT rights, dissent and other human rights issues have come increasingly under the spotlight of late, after widespread criticism of the World Cup last year.
Meanwhile, the country’s efforts to buy Manchester United and Saudi Arabia’s moves in both football and golf have ensured that sportswashing, particularly from middle eastern countries is increasingly scrutinized in sections of the media in public.
In Munich, Bayern’s sleeve sponsorship deal and other business partnerships with Qatar has attracted sustained criticism from supporters, who have protested against the relationship with banners at matches and motions and speeches at annual general meetings.
Though the very amicable language and somewhat dubious claims in the statement may not entirely appease those who opposed the Bundesliga side’s relationship with Qatar, the most prominent opponent among the Bayern membership welcomed the news.
“Incredible news this morning,” said Michael Ott. “It was completely unexpected, but it’s all the better for it! Many thanks to all supporters who have rallied against the sponsorship. Together we are strong!”
Ott had risen to prominence in 2021 when he tabled a motion at Bayern’s 2021 annual general meeting aimed at forcing the club not to extend the Qatar Airways deal. When the motion, and others like it, weren’t admitted, the meeting descended into anarchy.
Nick McGeehan, co-director of human rights research organization FairSquare, also welcomed the move and praised the activism of Bayern’s fanbase, telling DW:
“It’s hard to believe that the critical response from a committed and organized section of FC Bayern’s fanbase was not a major factor in this decision,” he said.
“If that’s the case, it’s a small, but significant victory for those who see football clubs as community institutions not corporate content-providers and again shows that the German model of fan ownership is the one that other countries should strive towards.” (DW)