Qatar Airways takes flight. Bayern fans salute them

June 29 - Following persistent fan protest, German giants Bayern Munich have decided not to renew their sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways.

Club fans have long railed against the airline which attached its name to Bayern Munich in a lucrative $100million sponsorship deal, but on Wednesday it was confirmed that the record champions from Germany would not renew their gaming kit agreement which ends at the end of the month after five years of partnership.

"FC Bayern and Qatar Airways have worked together successfully and learned from each other," said Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.

“I would like to thank Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, for this. We wish all Qatar Airways employees all the best for the future.”

The state-backed airline has partnered with the German giants since 2018, but supporters have raised concerns about Qatar's human rights record, which has been highlighted in reports. years leading up to the organization of the 2022 World Cup by the Gulf country. Bayern also regularly hold winter camps at the Aspire complex in Doha.

Bayern fans responded by displaying anti-Qatar and anti-sports banners and slogans during protests at home matches at the Allianz Arena.

In November 2021, Bayern's AGM descended into chaos amid a heated argument between fans and the board over the Qatar Airways deal At the meeting, 77.8 % of members voted in favor of a decision to end Bayern's association with the airline, but the board rejected the vote, causing a rift with supporters chanting "We are Bayern, you are not".

But now Bayern have bowed to pressure from fans, even though it was reported that Qatar Airways did not want to extend the partnership.

German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung wrote that Qatar no longer wanted to be associated with the German club after Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became unhappy with criticism from Bayern fans.

Germany, including five Bayern players, were also the least popular national team at the World Cup after getting their hands on their mouths in a protest directed at the host nation. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also criticized the host country, infuriating Qataris.

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