(Berlin) Bayern Munich announced on Wednesday that it had ended its commercial partnership with Qatar Airways, which has long been controversial due to accusations of violating human rights in the Gulf country.
According to a statement issued by the two parties, published on the German champion’s website, “The contract between FC Bayern Munich and Qatar Airways ends amicably after five exciting years together.”
“FC Bayern and Qatar Airways have worked together successfully and learned from each other,” said Jan Christian Dressen, CEO of Bayern Munich.
For his part, the airline’s president, Akbar Al Baker, wished him “best wishes for the future of the team.”
Former Bayern Munich chief executive Oliver Kahn, who was sacked at the end of May after a disappointing season at the club, had already warned several months ago that he wanted to re-evaluate the partnership with this sponsor.
The Bavarian club, in particular, has been the subject of growing criticism in Germany ahead of the Qatar World Cup at the end of 2022, while Doha has been singled out for accusations of human rights violations.
In 2021, the club’s fans disrupt a general meeting of the club, loudly demanding an end to cooperation with the company.
“Evil thinker. Music scholar. Hipster-friendly communicator. Bacon geek. Amateur internet enthusiast. Introvert.”