UEFA checks in ‘€500m’ Qatar Airways Champions League deal
UEFA has revealed Qatar Airways as the official airline partner of the Champions League until the end of the 2029/30 season.
The expanded agreement between European football’s governing body and Qatar’s flag carrier will span two three-year commercial cycles, and is reportedly worth €500m (£419.7m) over its duration, or €83m (£69.7m) annually.
Qatar Airways, which previously served as a partner of the UEFA men’s Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 championships, replaces Turkish Airlines as the Champions League’s airline sponsor.
The airline’s announcement video for the new partnership features Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who is joined by former AC Milan and Brazil midfielder Kaka, France women’s national team star Sakina Karchaoui, and football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
.@championsleague 🤝 Qatar Airways
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) September 19, 2024
We're heading to the UEFA Champions League as the new airline partner @ChampionsLeague ⚽️
A season of new highs awaits… @KAKA @FabrizioRomano @rioferdy5 @SakinaKarchaoui @OussiFooty #QatarAirways #UCLxQR pic.twitter.com/NrnKmWYnAj
The new contract also includes sponsorship of the UEFA Super Cup, Youth League and Futsal Champions League.
The 2024/25 Champions League season kicked off earlier this week on Tuesday 17th September, marking the competition’s first under its revamped format.
Qatar Airways’ expansive partnership roster includes French football giants PSG, as well as FIFA, Formula 1, Ironman, the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the AFL’s Sydney Swans.
“As the official airline partner of the UEFA Champions League, Qatar Airways is dedicated to transporting thousands of fans to this esteemed competition,” said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways.
“Our partnership with the UEFA Champions League not only strengthens our connection with Europe but also aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering unity and celebrating excellence.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin added, “This shared commitment is the foundation of our long-lasting partnership as we strive to provide football fans worldwide with exceptional experiences.
“We are delighted to expand our partnership to another level as we embark on a new era of the UEFA Champions League.”
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